Despite a playoff implosion, Houston's top executive reassures Stroud, emphasizing his past success and potential for future growth.
The Houston Texans have been one of the better and more consistent teams in the NFL over the last three seasons, and that should come as a shock given how the 2022 season went for the franchise. The Texans find themselves in a spot where they have advanced in the postseason in three consecutive seasons, and the organization is trying to find a way to get over the hump that is the Divisional round.
The Texans can make significant improvements during the 2026 offseason. The 2026 NFL Draft is right around the corner, as is free agency. The franchise can address its weaknesses during those periods of the offseason, but the team will also be looking to see significant improvements from the players already on the roster. One of those players that will be highlighted is quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Stroud had one of the best rookie seasons for a quarterback back in 2023, but he has slowly regressed since then. 2025 was a rocky season for the young signal caller, and it ended in disastrous fashion as he threw four interceptions during Houston's loss to the New England Patriots in the Divisional round. The weather conditions were not good, but the organization would still like to see more from its star quarterback.
General Manager Nick Caserio recently appeared on Pro Football Talk Live, and he was asked by Mike Florio about why fans should feel confident in Stroud moving forward, "Yeah, I mean look, he's a young player. He's had a lot of success. He's played three years of good football. Can't let one half kind of mark what's happened over the course of his career. The reality is, he has room for improvement. Our team has room for improvement. We've accomplished a lot of good things. I think everybody is excited about the offseason."
Caserio seems to have all the confidence in the world in his young quarterback, whom he will have to make some contractual decisions on during the 2026 offseason. The organization will either pick up his fifth-year option or decline it and extend him immediately. Based on the way the quarterback has played recently, the ladder probably would not be the best decision for the franchise.
Stroud will look to develop as the offseason continues, aiming to return to his rookie form. It is possible, and the organization seems to have all the faith in the world that he will be able to do so.