Texans rumors: CJ Stroud entering ‘prove-it’ 2026 season with contract extension far away

The Houston Texans are in a difficult spot with QB CJ Stroud. Houston’s franchise quarterback will soon be due for a contract extension that should give him a significant pay increase. But a lackluster 2025 season may have the Texans thinking twice about handing out a big contract before the 2026 season.

ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime declared that the 2026 season should be incredibly important for Stroud as contract negotiations continue.

“Stroud and the Texans aren’t close to a deal as of late June. Houston and its quarterback are in a tricky spot because last season did not end the way either would’ve preferred,” Bien-Aime wrote. “Stroud threw four interceptions against the Patriots in the AFC divisional round. A performance like that can cause hesitation when the extension for Stroud could be in the $55 million to $60 million range per year.”

There’s no question that Stroud and the Texans looked awful against the Patriots during the playoffs. However, it is important to remember that Houston’s offensive line was in rough shape at that point in the season. The matchup was also a snow game, which can slow down even the most lethal NFL offenses.

Still, the Texans are right to be concerned about Stroud after three seasons in the league. His production has gotten worse each season in the league, which is a rare sight for a young franchise quarterback.

Houston could always offer Stroud a mid-tier quarterback contract in the hopes that he accepts it right away. But failing that, Stroud will simply need to ball out in 2026 to earn a lucrative second contract.

“With how negotiations are currently going, it’s gearing up to be a prove-it season for Stroud,” Bien-Aime concluded.

It will be exciting to see if Stroud can rise to the occasion later this fall.

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