Texans' C.J. Stroud, Panthers' Bryce Young get more bad news about contract situations

A recent report noted that Houston Texans starter C.J. Stroud may be "under as much pressure this year as just about any quarterback in the NFL." 

While the Texans picked up Stroud's fifth-year option for 2027, the club has still made no commitment to him beyond the expiration of his existing deal. On Wednesday, Texans reporter DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN suggested that little will change about Stroud's situation before he takes his next meaningful snap. 

C.J. Stroud, Texans "aren't close" to signing an extension

"Stroud and the Texans aren't close to a deal as of late June," Bien-Aime shared. "Houston and its quarterback are in a tricky spot because last season did not end the way either would've preferred. Stroud threw four interceptions against the Patriots in the AFC divisional round. A performance like that can cause hesitation when the extension for Stroud could be in the $55M to $60M range per year. With how negotiations are currently going, it's gearing up to be a prove-it season for Stroud."

That performance against New England wasn't a one-off for Stroud, as the perception exists that he has regressed since he earned Offensive Rookie of the Year Award honors for the 2023 campaign. While Houston notched a dominant 30-6 wild-card playoff win at the Pittsburgh Steelers this past January, Stroud tossed an interception and lost two of five fumbles during that outing. Following the loss to the Patriots, his career postseason record fell to 3-3.

Why the market for Bryce Young hasn't yet been set

Meanwhile, Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers may also not have much of a long-term future with his current employer. ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano noted that the Panthers "aren't in a hurry to do a deal" with Young before training camp gets underway in late July. 

"It's possible this doesn't happen until next offseason," Graziano added about the Panthers possibly handing Young an extension. "They picked up his fifth-year option for 2027 at $25.904M, which was a no-brainer because it means they'll be paying him a total of $31.83M over the next two years. But with Houston seemingly in no hurry with Young's 2023 draftmate C.J. Stroud, there's no rush to jump the market and do a Young deal without seeing more."

Like Stroud, Young hasn't yet shown that he can play at an elite level for an entire season or win on the biggest stages with any consistency. Even if the Texans make what would be a surprising move and sign Stroud to an extension, it seems likely that Young won't receive a deal unless he earns one with his play in 2026.