Texans owner makes 1 thing clear about CJ Stroud’s future

The Houston Texans have made their stance clear regarding quarterback CJ Stroud, despite the chorus of doubters growing after an inconsistent 2025 season.

Addressing reporters on Monday, team owner Cal McNair affirmed he is “fully committed” to Stroud when asked about a potential contract extension for the 24-year-old quarterback.

“Well, as you know, we’ll leave that up with (general manager) Nick (Caserio), and those communications are behind the scenes,” McNair said ahead of the team’s Charity Golf Classic at River Oaks Country Club, via KPRC2. “But yeah, we’re fully committed to C.J. I think you saw we extended … we exercised his fifth-year option. So, we’ll see how it all works out.”

'We're fully committed to C.J.' #Texans chair and CEO Cal McNair on $25.9 million fifth-year option for quarterback C.J. Stroud 'We'll see how it works out' @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/FFepSotzxe

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 4, 2026

Houston exercised Stroud’s fifth-year option last month, locking him in through the 2027 season at a salary of $25.9 million. General manager Nick Caserio described that decision as a “no-brainer,” especially considering that at least 16 NFL quarterbacks currently earn more than $30 million annually. The move provides financial flexibility as the Texans continue investing heavily in their defense, including extensions for Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, along with a deal for Azeez Al-Shaair.

Stroud’s production has declined since his 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign. This past season, he recorded 3,041 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions across 14 games, missing four contests due to a concussion. His woes spilled over into the playoffs. Although Houston got the better of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round, Stroud had butterfingers with five fumbles and later threw the game away with four picks in a Divisional Round defeat to the New England Patriots.

For all the ups and downs, Houston has kept its head above water with Stroud, reaching the playoffs in each of his three seasons and bagging two division titles. Much of the success in 2025 was driven by the league’s top-ranked defense, which compensated for offensive inconsistencies.

This offseason, Stroud has gone all in on self-improvement, dropping weight, adding muscle, and reinventing his physical profile for an important season ahead.

Thus far, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has come away impressed with what he has witnessed.

“C.J.’s done a really good job all offseason just continuing to be locked in, continuing to prepare the right way,” Ryans said Monday. “He’s been dialed in to our strength sessions, our coaching sessions and our meetings. He’s been dialed in and very into it. That’s all you can ask for from all our guys at this time.”

To address the offensive struggles, the organization has also revamped its offensive line by trading multiple linemen and bringing in reinforcements via free agency and the draft.

While players like Nico Collins and Derek Stingley Jr. have already received extensions, Stroud’s long-term deal appears likely to be deferred. With no urgency from either side, his contract situation is expected to remain a major talking point and could become a bigger item next offseason.

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