{"id":282241,"date":"2026-05-09T20:17:28","date_gmt":"2026-05-10T00:17:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=282241"},"modified":"2026-05-09T20:17:56","modified_gmt":"2026-05-10T00:17:56","slug":"cj-stroud-potential-suitors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2026\/05\/09\/cj-stroud-potential-suitors\/","title":{"rendered":"C.J. Stroud Potential Suitors: Could Texans QB Leave Houston?"},"content":{"rendered":"

C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans are a match for another year after Houston picked up Stroud’s fifth-year option<\/a>. What is the forecast for Stroud beyond this season? Which teams would potentially be interested in Stroud? Let’s take a deep dive.<\/p>\n

C.J. Stroud Potential Suitors: Door Left Open for Texans QB to Leave Houston<\/strong><\/h2>\n

C.J. Stroud’s Potential Suitors Now<\/h3>\n
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  • Arizona Cardinals<\/a><\/span> – Currently, the main Cardinals quarterbacks are Jacoby Brissett and rookie Carson Beck.<\/a> Do the Cardinals have two quarterbacks or none? This is one of the top three likely landing spots for Stroud.<\/li>\n
  • New York Jets<\/a><\/span> – The Jets have… Geno Smith. So, in other words, the Jets need a long-term answer at quarterback. Stroud can be that guy. The Jets also have three number one picks in 2027; this could get interesting.<\/li>\n
  • Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a><\/span>\u00a0– Aaron Rodgers<\/a> back for another season? Stroud would be a solid choice for the Steelers after this year if the Texans want to move on.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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    C.J. Stroud’s Potential Suitors Within a Year<\/h3>\n
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    • Cleveland Browns<\/a><\/span> – The Browns have FOUR quarterbacks on the roster: Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders<\/a>, Dillon Gabriel<\/a> and rookie Taylen Green.<\/a> One is likely to be traded(Gabriel?), and the battle in camp between Watson and Sanders is one to watch. Although it seems that the Browns would not be in the market for another quarterback, one never knows. The last time they went after a Texans quarterback, they, picked up Watson. Not exactly blue ribbon results there.<\/li>\n
    • Miami Dolphins<\/a><\/span>\u00a0– Malik Willis<\/a> has thrown for 1,325 yards and six touchdowns in his career. Yes, career. That is not much for a guy who just netted a three-year contract. Willis falters this season, and the Dolphins will jump up in line to target Stroud.<\/li>\n
    • Minnesota Vikings<\/a><\/span>\u00a0– J.J. McCarthy<\/a>, Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz… the quarterback issue here remains. Could the Vikings be a destination for Stroud? Who wins the job in training camp and how the Vikings fare in 2026 will determine if Stroud is on Minnesota’s radar.<\/li>\n
    • New Orleans Saints<\/a><\/span>\u00a0– The Saints’ roster is a bit iffy, with a questionable talent level.\u00a0 If Tyler Shough<\/a> continues to blossom as a starter, quarterback won’t be an issue. That is a big IF, however. What if Shough doesn’t advance in his development?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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      "Now, for C.J. Stroud, you're setting yourself up for success. Going into a season healthy with an opportunity to prove that you're one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL." @JasonMcCourty<\/a> breaks down why the Texans star has a chance to cash in this season \ud83d\udcb0 pic.twitter.com\/dPSdBJzMJ2<\/a><\/p>\n

      — NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 7, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n