Eligible for an extension for the first time, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud says he has done his part to earn a new deal but also isn't focused on the negotiations.
Eligible for an extension for the first time, Texans quarterback C.J.
Stroud says he has done his part to earn a new deal but also isn't focused on the negotiations.
DJ Bien-AimeMay 28, 2026, 02:48 PM ETCloseDJ Bien-Aime covers the Houston Texans for ESPN. He joined ESPN in July of 2022 after covering the New York Jets for the New York Daily News. He's a former athlete who finished his college career at Louisville. You can catch DJ on ESPN Radio on his show "Talkin' Texans."
DJ Bien-AimeMay 28, 2026, 02:48 PM ET
HOUSTON -- C.J. Stroud feels he has done his part to earn a contract extension but says he isn't focused on the negotiations with the Texans.
The Texans' Pro Bowl quarterback, whose fifth-year option for 2027 was picked up in April, is eligible for an extension for the first time after arriving in 2023 as the No. 2 overall pick. It's been a discussion within the Stroud camp, but he said he won't let it affect his daily approach.
"I let my agent handle that. If it's time to do it, then it is," Stroud said at OTAs on Thursday. "My job is football. That's what I'm focused on, just getting better. I think I've held my bargain up. Whatever happens, happens."
Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson arrived in epic fashion as back-to-back picks in 2023 as the Texans doubled down on a bold, franchise-altering vision.
Anderson reset the market for defensive ends this offseason, agreeing to a three-year, $150 million deal that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. There hasn't been much indication that the Texans and Stroud are approaching a deal.
In his three years in Houston, Stroud has compiled 28 regular-season wins (seventh most during that span), a 54.9 QBR (20th), 10,876 passing yards (ninth), 62 touchdown passes (tied for 14th) and 25 interceptions (12th fewest among quarterbacks with at least 30 starts). He has led the Texans to two AFC South titles and a wild-card berth as Houston has won its opening playoff game in blowout fashion each of the past three seasons.
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