The latest Houston Texans rumors surrounding QB CJ Stroud could spark panic during the 2026 season and likely lead to a trade. While Stroud isn’t concerned about getting a deal done, the team has exercised the 24-year-old’s contract, which goes through the 2027 season. However, the “pause” may cause concern if he doesn’t improve his play this upcoming 2026 season. Stroud had a decent 2025 campaign, but he missed three matchups due to a concussion and had the No. 1 defense in the league.
Is he reliable long-term? This is the biggest question the Texans must be asking themselves entering the 2026 season. Similar to the situation between the Baltimore Ravens and veteran Lamar Jackson, are the Texans doing the right thing by waiting? It depends on what happens during this regular season, but the former first-round pick feels like he’s earned a new deal:
“I let my agent handle that. If it’s time to do it, then it is,” the 24-year-old said (via ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime) when speaking about the possibility of an extension. “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.”
Texans Rumors: Stalled $36M Contract Talks Could Cause Immediate Danger
Did He Earn a New Deal?
Well, let’s break this down a bit: the Texans haven’t negotiated serious talks regarding their starting QB. Entering the league in 2023, the QB put on one of the most marvelous rookie campaigns. After recording over 4,000 passing yards, he was ranked 20th on the NFL Top 100 Players and named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. While it was sunshine and rainbows for an offense that appeared in the postseason in his first year, he was unable to move past the Divisional Round.
Nobody should blame the young QB for his performance, given that he was still going through growing pains. In his playoff debut, he became the youngest in Texans history to win a postseason matchup. Unfortunately, like many young QB’s, he had a sophomore slump. However, the Texans still carried the QB to the divisional round once again, but failed to reach the championship game.
It’s worth noting that particular campaign. While Houston’s defense again was dominant during the 2025 regular season, Stroud struggled heavily in the latest divisional round against the New England Patriots. Still, the Patriots had a ferocious defense themselves, but this was the QB’s moment to get over that hump. With this, no one should believe that the pocket-passer has necessarily earned himself a blockbuster deal.
The Texans QB Future
The team re-signed backup Davis Mills to a one-year deal, but even his future may be in doubt, too. He’s been rumored to be moved during the 2026 season, but that really depends on how Stroud performs. If the team feels like they want to explore other options, they could do that after this upcoming campaign.
There are plenty of alternative QB options, and after extending defensive stalwart Will Anderson Jr., this defense is too talented for it to go to waste. Could the Texans move on from Stroud? Don’t be too shocked if it happens if he doesn’t improve.
A Trade Possible
Does this mean trading Stroud during the 2026 season is possible? No one should expect it to happen, but the team has options to trade for a QB. Many teams across the league, including the San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers, have assets waiting to unload. A name to watch is Mac Jones, but Aidan O’Connell and Mason Rudolph have a decent chance to get work elsewhere, too. For now, everyone will have to remain patient to see if the current Texans starter can live up to his value.
