Demands for a record-breaking $70 million salary collide with recent postseason struggles, leaving Houston’s franchise star to prove he is worth the historic investment this season.
The Houston Texans have had a tumultuous offseason. Uncertainty over the most important position is making things even more interesting.
Starting quarterback C.J. Stroud has reportedly made his wishes known in contract negations with the Texans. His agents are rumored to be asking for $70 million per year.
Whether or not that's what Stroud expects is unclear, but it seems more like a negotiating tactic to reset the market above Dallas Cowboys' Dak Prescott's league-leading $70 million. If the Texans offered $61 million, Stroud might accept the deal.
ESPN NFL analyst Dan Graziano discussed Stroud's season ahead and what to expect from the now veteran player. Here's some of what he had to say.
"Stroud was Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. He led the Texans to the second round of the playoffs in each of his first three seasons. Including the postseason, the Texans are 31-21 in games he has started. There are quarterbacks who got top-of-market extensions to their rookie deals having accomplished far less than Stroud. However, he has yet to repeat the outstanding performance of his rookie season, and he missed three games last season because of injury. Plus, his play in the Texans' two playoff games was detrimental. He had an interception and five fumbles (two lost) in Houston's wild-card victory over Pittsburgh, then he threw four interceptions the following week in a season-ending loss at New England.
The Texans have an elite championship-caliber defense. They have a deep and talented group of receivers, even after Jayden Higgins tore an ACL this week. They have continuity on the offensive line for the first time in Stroud's career, and the addition of David Montgomery this offseason has them believing they can also give Stroud a competent run game for the first time. This shapes up as a critical year for Stroud's future in Houston, and he appears to have what he needs to put the disappointment of last season behind him."
Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) runs with the ball during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesThat Stroud is in a weakest link conversation, though we have a good idea there are other more pronounced flaws at other positions, makes it clear that Stroud does not deserve to be paid $70 million. Still, Stroud's agents are forcing the Texans' hand.
It's uncertain what will come of the Texans' and Stroud's conversations. The Texans signal caller will look to prove with no doubt that he is the quarterback of the future this season.
