The Question That Could Define the Texans Future

Do the Texans pay CJ Stroud the max? It is a very valid question and will have a domino effect for the next few years. Coming off three playoffs in three years is no easy feat. Even harder when you consider that the Texans are in the AFC. Stroud has stood at the forefront of the Texans' complete turnaround. Houston has done an excellent job of getting talent around Stroud to observe his development. Instead, Stroud has regressed in the last two years. There are several reasons for the regression, with both sides harboring some guilt. What happened to the promising young team, and what does the future hold?

Quarterbacks are hard to come by, especially a quarterback worthy of starting. It’s at the point where quarterbacks are being recycled. The Texans were coming off a terrible season, where one touchdown changed the Texans' entire trajectory. Instead of landing the first overall pick, they found themselves with the second pick. Coming into a two-quarterback class, having number two wasn’t all bad. The Panthers made a play for the first pick, honing in on their franchise field general. To no surprise, on draft night, the Panthers took Bryce Young at one, leaving the Texans with Stroud at two. To further add to their magical draft night, they traded up to take Will Anderson at three. Along with newly appointed head coach Demeco Ryans, the Texans had the first and most essential pieces of their future.

The Texans hit the ground running in year one of their rebuild. Immediately, Stroud had taken off, putting up one of the best rookie seasons for a quarterback in modern history. Stroud finished his rookie season with 108 passing yards, 319 completions, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions. The former Buckeye was duly recognized with a Pro Bowl selection and captured the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. An impressive end to a fantastic season. The sophomore slump hit Stroud hard, and his weaknesses began to take hold. At this point, the organization's fault became obvious. Stroud was sacked 52 times in his sophomore season. It was clear that the Texans' offensive line was severely lacking. Despite the slump, the Texans made the playoffs, where their run ended in the divisional round.

2025 was the year for the Texans. They had assembled an all-time defense primarily through the draft. Headlined by stars Derek Stingley and Anderson, they had become arguably the best defense in the league. There was not much for Stroud and the offense to do to win games. They started 0-3 before going on a heater to end the season. They bulldozed through the best teams in the league, going undefeated until the divisional round, where Stroud played the worst game of his career. Finishing the first half with four turnovers, before they went on to lose the game.

Now comes the question about what to do with the quarterback. On one hand, you can see the potential and what he has to offer. On the other hand, as of right now, it seems that he has hit his peak. There have been constant offensive and play-calling struggles. Unfortunately for CJ, when he missed three games due to a concussion, Davis Mills led the Texans to two wins.  Stroud is coming to the end of his rookie contract, and he will most likely ask for the max. Very few quarterbacks can make the playoffs, let alone three times in a row. Regardless, the Texans are in a tough spot concerning Stroud. He will have to turn it around next season to justify a max contract.