Why Texans GM Nick Caserio felt need to passionately defend C.J. Stroud

One of the more noteworthy media moments of this year's NFL scouting combine involved Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio referring to trade rumors regarding Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud as "moronic." 

During a Thursday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Caserio revealed why he felt the need to strongly shut such conversations down and insist that Stroud will remain the club's QB1 through at least the start of the 2026 season.

Nick Caserio felt it was "appropriate" to make C.J. Stroud declaration

"Honestly, you try not to pay too much attention to [the trade rumors]," Caserio explained. "But you feel you have to address something. Felt like that was the appropriate thing to do."

Stroud's long-term future with the Texans came into question after he threw five interceptions and lost two of five fumbles across Houston's two playoff games this past January. One unnamed general manager recently shared that he believes the Texans could have defeated the New England Patriots in the divisional round of the playoffs had Houston benched Stroud in favor of backup Davis Mills after Stroud tossed four interceptions in the first half of that contest. 

Stroud understandably received criticism for his final two outings of the season, but he still has a fan in Caserio. 

Nick Caserio strongly backs C.J. Stroud once again

"He's our quarterback," Caserio said about Stroud during the segment. "He’s played a lot of good football for us. He’s had some good games. He’s had some games, like all of us, there’s some ups and downs you have to deal with. Glad he’s our quarterback and glad he’s gonna be here for next season. We want him here. ...We didn't play our best game. The Patriots played better than we did. That's the way it goes."

Caserio added that Stroud and others associated with the Texans are now focusing on improving during the offseason. While Houston is expected to pick up the fifth-year option for 2027 attached to Stroud's rookie contract, there's no indication Caserio will look to sign the 24-year-old to a multiyear extension anytime soon. Without such a deal in place, Stroud's future will remain a significant talking point during the spring and summer months.