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Texans GM calls Stroud trade talk 'moronic,' but will he say the same in 2027?

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Texans GM Nick Caserio calls C.J. Stroud trade talk 'moronic,' but will he say the same in 2027?

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 2:43 PM ET

The Houston Texans aren't planning to trade quarterback C.J. Stroud ... for now.

The Ringer's Todd McShay said Stroud could be a potential trade target this offseason during an episode of his self-titled podcast on Feb. 16. At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Texans general manager Nick Caserio shut down the speculation.

Nick Caserio discusses C.J. Stroud trade speculation

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Caserio said Tuesday that the idea of trading Stroud is "moronic" and insisted it won't happen.

Trading Stroud in a draft that features no clear viable replacement would be unwise for the Texans. Outside of Indiana Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza — the presumptive No. 1 pick of the 2026 NFL Draft — Alabama Crimson Tide QB Ty Simpson is the only other passer considered worthy of a first-round selection. The Alabama star — who started just 15 games in college — lacks the experience needed to be a Day 1 starter in the NFL.

Texans GM general manager Nick Caserio called trade speculation about his quarterback C.J. Stroud “moronic” and insisted the team is “not trading C.J.” pic.twitter.com/NDj0RTnVW1
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 24, 2026

Veterans who could replace Stroud underperformed in 2025 and are on expensive contracts. Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, entering the third year of a four-year, $212.4M contract, tossed a career-high 15 interceptions in 2025. Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray, meanwhile, is entering the fourth year of a five-year, $230.5M deal and went 2-3 in five starts before missing the rest of the season because of a foot injury.

So, Houston trading Stroud this offseason would be senseless. Still, that doesn't change that he's entering one of the most important seasons of his career in 2026.

Why C.J. Stroud remains on the hot seat heading into 2026

Since winning the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, Stroud has regressed. The former Ohio State Buckeyes standout posted career lows in passing yards (3,041) and passing touchdowns (19) in 2025. In the postseason, he threw two TD passes and five interceptions, costing Houston a chance to make its first conference championship game in franchise history.

Better QB play would've helped the Texans win their first Super Bowl last season. Houston went 12-5, making the playoffs for a third consecutive season. The team finished second in the NFL in points allowed (17.3 points per game) behind the Seattle Seahawks (16.9 PPG), Super Bowl LX champions.

"I look back, and I just feel like I let people down, not happy with that," Stroud told the media after a 28-16 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC divisional round. "You know, it hurts."

Stroud promised to "respond" after the postseason loss to New England. If he doesn't, his future will become murkier.

Stroud is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract in 2026, which includes a fifth-year option. Spotrac estimates his market value at $51.6M annually over a three-year deal, 10th among QBs. Houston can't justify paying him that much if he produces another underwhelming season in 2026.

Caserio isn't planning to trade Stroud this offseason. However, if the situation remains the same in 2027, he may entertain offers for the passer.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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