C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans are a match for another year after Houston picked up Stroud’s fifth-year option. What is the forecast for Stroud beyond this season? Which teams would potentially be interested in Stroud? Let’s take a deep dive.
C.J. Stroud Potential Suitors: Door Left Open for Texans QB to Leave Houston
C.J. Stroud’s Potential Suitors Now
Arizona Cardinals – Currently, the main Cardinals quarterbacks are Jacoby Brissett and rookie Carson Beck. Do the Cardinals have two quarterbacks or none? This is one of the top three likely landing spots for Stroud.
New York Jets – 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.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Aaron Rodgers back for another season? Stroud would be a solid choice for the Steelers after this year if the Texans want to move on.
C.J. Stroud’s Potential Suitors Within a Year
Cleveland Browns – The Browns have FOUR quarterbacks on the roster: Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green. 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.
Miami Dolphins – Malik Willis 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.
Minnesota Vikings – J.J. McCarthy, 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.
New Orleans Saints – The Saints’ roster is a bit iffy, with a questionable talent level. If Tyler Shough 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?
"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 breaks down why the Texans star has a chance to cash in this season 💰 pic.twitter.com/dPSdBJzMJ2
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 7, 2026
C.J. Stroud’s Potential Suitors Within Two Years
Atlanta Falcons – Yes, the Falcons have Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa, but does that really mean they have a quarterback on the roster who can win? If both quarterbacks don’t produce, look for the Falcons to be eager to get in line for Stroud.
Carolina Panthers – Ok, so Bryce Young rebounded to have a solid season last year. Was that the real Bryce Young? If so, scratch the Panthers off the list. If he flounders, however, count the Panthers in.
Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow is phenomenal when he is on the field. Will the Bengals get tired of Burrow’s injury woes at some point? Will Burrow seek greener pastures? This could get dicey in the next year or so.
Dallas Cowboys – Jerry Jones is the wild card. One never knows what is on his mind. The salary cap ramifications if the Cowboys were to cut him loose, even in two years, are astronomical. After the 2028 season, however, Stroud could come into play, a great way for Jones to nab him away from the Texans.
Detroit Lions– Jared Goff is seen as a game manager, and the Lions remain in their competitive window with this roster. In two years, however, Goff could be seen as expendable, and Stroud would be an option.
Indianapolis Colts – Daniel Jones began 2025 with a bang before his injury. Does he have the stuff to power the Colts? Could the Colts be a destination for Stroud in two years if Jones is not the long-term answer?
Seattle Seahawks – Yep, Sam Darnold was dandy in taking the Seahawks to the promised land last season. Does that mean he will be at the top of his game, though, in two years? Darnold’s contract will be up in two years, and Seattle could be a destination for Stroud at that time.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Yes, Baker Mayfield is in line to get a new contract. Yes, he is a solid quarterback now. Will he last, however?
NFL execs are split when it comes to what the Texans should do with CJ Stroud.
Why would you pay him? He was AWFUL last season and I believe cost the Texans a trip to the Super Bowl. Pickup the 5th year option and tag him if you need to, that's what the tag is for. pic.twitter.com/ySPh8wvu79
— Jared Stillman (@JaredStillman) May 6, 2026
Teams With No Interest in C.J. Stroud
Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson is in his prime; no interest for the Ravens.
Buffalo Bills – Josh Allen has a lot of runway left and gas in the tank.
Chicago Bears – Caleb Williams is the real deal.
Denver Broncos – Bo Nix and Sean Payton have connected; the Broncos are set.
Green Bay Packers – Jordan Love should be in the prime of his career, and even if he wasn’t, the Packers have this history of keeping a quarterback for a long time(Favre, Rodgers and Love at the controls since 1992)
Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence has finally shown he is among the league’s best.
Kansas City Chiefs – Patrick Mahomes is coming back from his ACL injury and should return to form. However, even if it’s the slightest chance that Mahomes might not be the same player, don’t count out the Chiefs as a potential suitor for Stroud.
Los Angeles Rams – When you take a quarterback this season with the 13th overall pick (Ty Simpson), and you have Matthew Stafford at the controls, it should point to the Rams being set at quarterback.
Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert has all the tools and is the Chargers’ quarterback for years to come.
Las Vegas Raiders – Taking Fernando Mendoza with the top pick has the Raiders out of the QB market for quite a while.
New York Giants – Jaxson Dart has the Giants set at quarterback.
New England Patriots – Drake Maye is the real deal.
Philadelphia Eagles – Jalen Hurts has his ups and downs, but unless Hurts suffers a major injury, the Eagles don’t seem to be a fit in the near future.
San Francisco 49ers – Brock Purdy is at the controls, no reason to think about a change here.
Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward has all the tools, and the Titans should be set.
Washington Commanders – Jayden Daniels has had injury concerns, but his talent is out of this world. The Commanders should be set, unless Daniels can’t stay on the field.