Former GM gives Texans, C.J. Stroud advice after contract extension update

Largely out of nowhere, it was reported on Thursday that the Houston Texans "have had discussions with" quarterback C.J. Stroud about a potential contract extension. 

It was previously thought that the Texans wouldn't do anything regarding Stroud's deal after they picked up the fifth-year option for 2027 attached to his contract this spring. During Friday's edition of the ESPN "Get Up" program, former NFL general manager and current analyst Mike Tannenbaum suggested that both the Texans and Stroud should be just fine with waiting before they possibly put pen to paper on a deal.

Should C.J. Stroud bet on himself through the 2026 season? 

"If I'm C.J. Stroud," Tannenbaum explained, "if that number doesn't begin with a six, meaning $60M or more, why should I take less than all these other young, emerging quarterbacks? ...His body of work probably doesn't justify it yet. If I'm him, I'm probably going to bet on myself this year."

Tannenbaum was referencing how teams around the league would likely pass on giving Stroud a deal that would include an average salary of $60M per season after the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year regressed over the past two seasons. Most recently, Stroud threw five interceptions and lost two of five fumbles over his last two playoff appearances this past January. 

While initially unclear what Stroud's camp was seeking during negotiations, or what the Texans would be willing to offer, ESPN Radio's Jeremy Branham suggests the sides aren't close. Presumably, Houston wants to add years to Stroud's deal now because he would become only more expensive if he stays healthy and produces a stellar 2026 season.