Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Texans Facing Major C.J. Stroud Decision After $300 Million Prediction

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated May 21, 2025 1:09 PM ET

As it stands now, the Houston Texans' selection of Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NFL draft appears to have been an amazing decision.

In his first season, Stroud took home Offensive Rookie of the Year after completing 319 of 499 passes for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 100.8 passer rating.

With the 2025 season steadily approaching, as the Texans' first game is on the road against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 7, Houston will be looking to make another playoff appearance and win the AFC South for the third straight year.

What Stroud has done on the field may soon also result in a massive payday. Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report predicts that next offseason, Stroud will be in line to earn a five-year, $300 million extension, with $240 million guaranteed.

That's, of course, a big decision for Houston, as that kind of deal would make him the third-highest-paid quarterback in terms of total value, while also giving him the second-most in guaranteed money, per Spotrac.

Stroud's numbers in 2024 took a relatively significant dip, as he completed 336 of 532 passes for 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and an 87 passer rating.

There's no doubt that after the regression, a contract of the size Gagnon is predicting could be risky, and Stroud's performance in 2025 will become important in determining how the Texans handle a potential extension.

A deep playoff run could also prove to be a major factor, especially considering the Texans have been eliminated in the divisional round in each of Stroud's two seasons.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: