Texans Target $50M-Plus A Year for Stroud, Season Could Start Without a Deal

The Texans have held contract talks with quarterback C.J. Stroud, but GM Nick Caserio said negotiations may wait until 2027 if no deal is in place by Week 1. Stroud is expected to play the 2026 season without an extension while both sides remain hopeful to close the gap before the opener; the team is prepared to offer a deal that could put him in the $50M-per-year club. Stroud’s playoff track record has been mixed, but he helped the Texans reach the postseason in his first three seasons. If no deal is reached, he’ll still be under control in 2027 via a $25.9M fifth-year option.