C.J. Stroud is seeking a $60 million deal, while the Houston Texans have proposed $50 million, according to fansided.com. Houston has already picked up the option year in Stroud’s rookie contract, leaving him signed through the 2027 season.
The quarterback’s first season produced 4,105 passing yards, 23 touchdown passes and five interceptions. He topped 3,000 yards in each of the next two seasons, but neither included more than 20 touchdown passes, and both featured more interceptions than his rookie year. His 2026 performance could help determine whether the Texans consider him deserving of a $60 million annual contract.
Houston has said the extension talks would move to next offseason if no agreement is reached before Week 1. The Texans are scheduled to play their first game at 1 p.m. Sunday, though the report cited Dak Prescott’s deal with Dallas shortly before the Cowboys’ 2024 opener as evidence a late agreement remains possible.
The report also referenced Baker Mayfield’s three-year, $55 million-per-year contract with Tampa Bay, noting that Stroud has another season remaining and could later receive a franchise tag. Houston’s recent playoff losses to Pittsburgh and New England, Tank Dell’s injury history, offensive-line issues and the running game are also factors in the negotiations.
