Disappointing CJ Stroud Contact Update Emerges Amid Texans Offseason

It's been rough going for the quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL draft class in terms of securing contract extensions.

The Carolina Panthers exercised No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young's fifth-year option, but general manager Dan Morgan recently admitted the team was in no rush to work out a long-term deal for Young - if they do at all.

No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson had his fifth-year option declined by the Indianapolis Colts, who have been shopping him for months.

No. 33 overall pick Will Levis was also shopped by the Tennessee Titans, who drafted Cam Ward No. 1 overall last offseason, and he likely will be on a different roster after next season.

But things could be different for No. 2 overall pick C.J. Stroud. He's played the best of any QB from that 2023 class, and if any of them are to get a big-money extension, he's the best bet.

But according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Stroud may have to prove himself a little more before Houston feels comfortable committing $40 million to $50 million per year to him.

"The Texans have been wholly supportive of Stroud, who is eyeing a big fourth season," Fowler said. "But the team has decided to pay others first, including defensive stalwarts Will Anderson Jr. and Azeez Al-Shaair.

"Whereas the Panthers appear content with Bryce Young, Stroud’s 2023 draft mate who is playing out the fourth year of his rookie contract without a new deal, Houston’s messaging hasn’t been as clear. The Texans have not tipped their hand, but some around the league are loosely expecting Stroud to also play out the fourth year of his rookie pact without an extension."

Why It Matters

After three straight sub-four-win seasons, Stroud brought the Texans back to respectability.

He's led Houston to a 28-18 record and three playoff appearances. He also won Offensive Rookie of the Year and made the Pro Bowl in 2023. During his brief career, Stroud has passed for 10,876 yards, 62 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions with a 93.5 passer rating. If he adds another playoff run or Pro Bowl, or even an All-Pro selection to his resume next season, he could have a legitimate case to get a raise in line with some of the lucrative deals handed to former first-rounders on their second contracts.

Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence recently signed a five-year, $275 million ($55 million per year), Green Bay's Jordan Love signed a four-year, $220 million contract ($55 million per year), Cincinnati's Joe Burrow inked a five-year, $275 million extension ($55 million per year), and Los Angeles' Justin Herbert received a five-year, $262.5 million extension ($52.5 million per year).

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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 5:17 PM.