C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans have not reached an agreement on a contract extension, with a $10 million difference separating the quarterback’s reported asking price and the team’s offer. Stroud is seeking $60 million, while Houston is offering $50 million, according to fansided.com. He remains signed through 2027 because the Texans exercised his fifth-year option.
Houston has said the extension talks would move to next offseason if no deal is completed before Week 1. The Texans’ first game is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday, though the report cites Dak Prescott’s agreement with Dallas shortly before the Cowboys’ 2024 opener as evidence that a late agreement remains possible.
Stroud threw for 4,105 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions as a rookie. He exceeded 3,000 yards in each of the next two seasons, but had fewer than 20 touchdown passes in both and more interceptions than during his first year.
The report points to Houston’s postseason defeats against Pittsburgh and New England last season, Tank Dell’s injury history, offensive-line problems and the running game as factors in the negotiations. It says Stroud’s 2026 season could affect whether the Texans consider him worth $60 million per year.
The report also compares the situation with Baker Mayfield, who later signed a three-year, $55 million-per-year contract with Tampa Bay after entering the final season of his deal. Stroud could potentially receive a franchise tag afterward.
