C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans have not reached an agreement on a contract extension, with about $10 million separating the quarterback’s reported request and the team’s offer. The report says Stroud wants $60 million, while Houston is offering $50 million.
Houston exercised Stroud’s fifth-year option, keeping him under contract through the 2027 season. His rookie year produced 4,105 passing yards, 23 touchdown passes and five interceptions. He exceeded 3,000 passing yards in each of the next two seasons, but stayed below 20 touchdown passes in both years and threw more interceptions than he did as a rookie.
The Texans have said the extension would move to next offseason if it is not completed before Week 1. Their opener is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday, though the report cites Dak Prescott’s deal with the Dallas Cowboys shortly before their 2024 opener as evidence that a late agreement remains possible.
The report also compares the talks with Baker Mayfield’s three-year, $55 million-per-year agreement with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after he entered the final year of his contract. Unlike Mayfield at that point, Stroud is not entering the final season of his deal. Houston could also use a franchise tag later.
The report cites postseason losses to Pittsburgh and New England, Tank Dell’s injury history, offensive-line issues and the running game as factors. It says Stroud’s 2026 season could affect whether Houston considers a $60 million annual salary justified.
