Texans' CJ Stroud Addresses Contract Negotiations Ahead of NFL Season

Quarterback C.J. Stroud completed another strong season with the Houston Texans, leading them to a third-straight appearance in the postseason, and despite not getting to the Super Bowl, expectations remain high.

During the offseason, Houston added former Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery to take pressure off their quarterback, potentially. They also gave Stroud more protection on the offensive line by signing Braden Smith and three-time Pro Bowler Wyatt Teller as new starters.

Still, Stroud carries the pressure to continue performing well and improving as the team’s QB1. He’s now eligible for a contract extension based on completing his third season. However, that remains in a holding pattern this offseason.

Amid the Texans’ OTA offseason workouts, Stroud spoke with reporters about his current focus and said he won’t be worrying about the contract situation.

More news:Jalen Hurts Speaks on Potential AJ Brown Trade for Eagles Amid OTAs

According to the Texans star, he’s not letting that distract him from his current goals with the team, and will let the chips fall where they may with any deals.

“I’ll let my agent handle it, you know. If it’s time to do it, then it is. If it’s not, my job is football, so that’s what I focus on is getting better, and I think I’ve held my bargain up on that edge,” he said.

“So whatever happens, happens. I’m excited to be a Texan this year, and you know, go from there,” Stroud said at his press conference.

Stroud is still operating under the fully guaranteed four-year $36.279 million contract he signed as a rookie in 2023. In April, the Texans picked up his fifth-year option for 2027. According to Spotrac, the Texans owe Stroud $25.904 million for next year.

He’s accumulated 10,876 passing yards and 62 touchdowns thrown, with 25 interceptions, with a completion percentage of 63.8 percent. Stroud has also racked up 609 yards with his mobility and four rushing touchdowns.

He won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, defying expectations quickly as he helped lead the Texans to the playoffs. That also earned him his first Pro Bowl selection.

He had a career-best 64.5 percent completion percentage last season. Stroud was also sacked less and fumbled fewer times last season than in previous campaigns. He also had four fewer interceptions than in his 2024 season.

However, he also missed games due to a concussion, playing in only 14 regular-season games, and the team again finished with a postseason win, followed by a postseason loss.

It makes sense that the Texans may not be in a hurry to reward Stroud just yet. While he has shown some improvement and steady abilities as their QB1, this team also seems to be on a plateau in the playoffs. Time will tell whether their offseason upgrades to the offense improve the offense and whether Stroud continues his growth as their QB.

More news:Alvin Kamara Fakes Injury at Savannah Bananas Game Amid Saints Trade Rumors

For more about the Houston Texans, head over to Newsweek Sports.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 4:59 PM.