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C.J. Stroud has plenty to look forward to heading into another season as the quarterback for the Houston Texans. In many ways, it's his turn to secure a few significant milestones.
Among the milestones, Stroud is set to be up for a second NFL contract. Given all the accolades he was amassed in his short career, it seems like a no-brainer his contract will see a significant boost in pay. That said, some question whether or not he has done enough to become the highest paid quarterback in the league.
ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano discussed what to expect with Stroud's second NFL contract and whether or not he could play up to a top contract during the season. Here's what Graziano had to say about that possibility.
"Our last memory of (Stroud) was an almost impossibly poor performance in the Texans' divisional round loss to the Patriots. He wasn't much better the week before in a wild-card victory over the Steelers.
Eligible for a contract extension for the first time this offseason, Stroud still doesn't have one. It feels like the Texans -- who are usually early and proactive with their extensions -- want to see how 2026 goes before handing that one out. It's possible Stroud also wants to wait and put himself in a stronger negotiating position with a big season.
Last season, Stroud posted the highest single-season completion percentage (64.5%) and QBR (61.7) of his career, but he also had career lows in passing yards (3,041) and touchdowns (19). The team hasn't been able to build him a consistent run game or a reliable offensive line, which could partly explain why he has struggled to regain his rookie form. But if he doesn't bounce back from last season's disappointing end, then the extension conversations could get pretty awkward despite three straight trips to the divisional round."
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) in action against the Minnesota Vikings during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The question for Stroud is not whether or not he has the resume. Stroud has won NFL Rookie of the Year, led the Texans to multiple playoff appearances and put up strong numbers to this point.
The issue is whether or not Stroud can duplicate his production and if his diminished performance in 2025 is the beginning of a concerning trend of regression.
The reality is, Stroud may be able to answer all of those questions with an explosive first half of the season. If the Texans reach the playoffs again, look for Stroud to more than earn his second contract with the team.
Continue reading...
Among the milestones, Stroud is set to be up for a second NFL contract. Given all the accolades he was amassed in his short career, it seems like a no-brainer his contract will see a significant boost in pay. That said, some question whether or not he has done enough to become the highest paid quarterback in the league.
ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano discussed what to expect with Stroud's second NFL contract and whether or not he could play up to a top contract during the season. Here's what Graziano had to say about that possibility.
"Our last memory of (Stroud) was an almost impossibly poor performance in the Texans' divisional round loss to the Patriots. He wasn't much better the week before in a wild-card victory over the Steelers.
Eligible for a contract extension for the first time this offseason, Stroud still doesn't have one. It feels like the Texans -- who are usually early and proactive with their extensions -- want to see how 2026 goes before handing that one out. It's possible Stroud also wants to wait and put himself in a stronger negotiating position with a big season.
Last season, Stroud posted the highest single-season completion percentage (64.5%) and QBR (61.7) of his career, but he also had career lows in passing yards (3,041) and touchdowns (19). The team hasn't been able to build him a consistent run game or a reliable offensive line, which could partly explain why he has struggled to regain his rookie form. But if he doesn't bounce back from last season's disappointing end, then the extension conversations could get pretty awkward despite three straight trips to the divisional round."
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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) in action against the Minnesota Vikings during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The question for Stroud is not whether or not he has the resume. Stroud has won NFL Rookie of the Year, led the Texans to multiple playoff appearances and put up strong numbers to this point.
The issue is whether or not Stroud can duplicate his production and if his diminished performance in 2025 is the beginning of a concerning trend of regression.
The reality is, Stroud may be able to answer all of those questions with an explosive first half of the season. If the Texans reach the playoffs again, look for Stroud to more than earn his second contract with the team.
Continue reading...
