C.J. Stroud is betting on himself entering 2026.
According to multiple reports, the fourth-year quarterback and theHouston Texansagreed that they would now prefer to wait until after this season to work out a long-term deal. Stroud, who is still under contract entering 2027, will play without a contract and hope to prove he's the long-term answer at quarterback.
The Texans already picked up his $25.9 million fully guaranteed fifth-year option, but Houston could also elect to franchise tag him in 2028 if the two sides still can't come to terms on a long-term deal after the season.
This was a move expected by both sides as training camp began to wind down. Texans general manager Nick Caserio had said all offseason that the two sides were consistently
in conversation but never said if a deal was close. After training camp, Caserio mentioned that once Week 1 of the regular season kicked off, all extension talks would cease until the offseason.
The Houston Texans and quarterback C.J. Stroud made a run at completing a contract extension before the regular season begins, but both sides agreed they now prefer to wait until after this season to work out a long-term deal, per @RapSheet and me. pic.twitter.com/Tj0iuo4MCn
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 12, 2026
According to ESPN, Stroud was open to a deal and has no desire to leave the Texans when his deal ends in 2027. Still, if the Texans make a run to the postseason for the fourth straight year, Stroud's new deal could reach over $260 million, with a $70 million average annual value.
Last season, Stroud threw for 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions while missing three games with a concussion. He is mostly known for his seven interceptions in the postseason, including four turnovers in the divisonal round loss to the New England Patriots.
In a sense, this isn't a terrible option for either side. Stroud has the chance to benefit from waiting if he ends up exceeding expecations while keeping the current deal in place for both sides if he underperforms. And if he struggles, the Texans would still owe the former No. 2 overall pick $25.9 million in a fully guaranteed fifth-year option while he proves he's the right option entering the 2028 offseason.
For the Texans, this is a win as well. If they still need to see more from Stroud, committing $60 million now wouldn't be wise, so they'll let the quarterback bet on himself before giving him a massive payday. If he meets the goals, then Houston knows it has its quarterback for the future.
The Texans kick off the new season Sunday at home against the Buffalo Bills.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans stall extension talks with QB C.J. Stroud ahead of 2026 NFL season
