NFL executives give Texans some advice about the future of C.J. Stroud

General manager Nick Caserio is among those associated with the Houston Texans who have publicly defended quarterback C.J. Stroud throughout the offseason. 

While the Texans picked up the fifth-year option for 2027 attached to Stroud's contract earlier this spring, there's no indication that the club is all that close to signing him to what would be an expensive multiyear extension. Recently, ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime spoke with unnamed NFL executives about whether or not the Texans should pay Stroud before the 2026 season gets underway. 

Why paying C.J. Stroud now could save the Texans some money down the road

"I think he's plenty talented," one AFC executive said about Stroud. "I just think just running a more efficient offense would justify the payday. I think everyone [I talk to] feels like you gotta pay him. Low bar for the position. It also could save you money if you extend him [now], because the market always goes up."

It's unclear what type of deal Stroud would accept from the Texans this offseason. While he earned Offensive Rookie of the Year Award honors for the 2023 season, he regressed over the following two campaigns. Thus, he may want to bet on himself and not put pen to paper on a deal before he can attempt to increase the worth of that agreement later this year. 

"If he goes back to rookie C.J., he'll get 65 [million per year]," an AFC scout said about Stroud. "But if he plays like the last two years, then what?"

Those "then what" questions grew louder after Stroud was intercepted five times and lost two of five fumbles in his last two playoff starts. His career postseason record is 3-3, and some feel that his performances this past January should keep the Texans from entering into a long-term commitment with the 24-year-old.

Are Texans making the "smart play" regarding C.J. Stroud?

"This is about whether you're convinced he's a long-term top-tier QB worth 22% of the cap," a different AFC executive said about the Texans' Stroud-related conundrum. "The smart play is to pick up the fifth-year option, invest heavily in the offensive line and stabilize the run game so you're evaluating him in a clean structure."

Meanwhile, one NFC executive noted that "it's hard to say 'pay him'" after Stroud failed to impress on big stages earlier this year. That executive also said that paying Stroud could become "debilitating for the franchise" if he fails to play up to the value of the contract. 

The Texans could always wait to decide due to the fact that they could retain Stroud's rights for 2028 via the franchise tag. All that seems certain about Stroud's future this spring is that he will still be with the Texans when the upcoming season begins.