C.J. Stroud may have to wait for a contract extension from the Houston Texans after a brutal two-game stretch in the playoffs to end the 2025 season.
What's Happening with C.J. Stroud's Contract?
The Texans picked up Stroud's fifth-year option for the 2027 season in April, but there's been no suggestion of a long-term deal.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that some people around the NFL believe Stroud could play the upcoming season without a long-term deal.
Why It Matters for C.J. Stroud
Stroud's performance has been erratic over the past two years, with 6,768 yards, 39 touchdowns, and a 63.8 completion percentage in 31 starts since 2024.
He ranked 29th out of 36 qualified quarterbacks in success rate in 2024 and 21st out of 33 in 2025.
What Comes Next for C.J. Stroud?
The playoffs last season were a disaster for Stroud, with six turnovers in two games, including four first-half interceptions in the divisional round loss to the New England Patriots.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio told reporters in March that they never doubted Stroud would be their quarterback in 2026.
But Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston reported on May 28 that there are no plans from Texans management to engage Stroud in contract talks.
The fifth-year option gives the Texans more time to evaluate Stroud as they determine their best path forward.
If he plays well this season, they will be able to negotiate an extension next offseason going into the final year of his rookie deal.
And with Will Anderson Jr., drafted one spot behind Stroud, signing a three-year, $150 million deal, the pressure is on Stroud to perform.
So Stroud will have to prove himself on the field to secure a long-term deal with the Texans.
But for now, his contract extension remains uncertain, leaving his future with the team in doubt.
The Texans have lost in the divisional round in each of Stroud's first three seasons, and he has thrown for 632 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions in those three losses.