Why Texans and C.J. Stroud are pausing contract extension talks until after 2026 season image
The Houston Texans and quarterback C.J. Stroud have been in talks this offseason about a potential contract extension. Houston was willing to make a deal, and Stroud was likely willing to sign something as well.
However, the plan was likely to agree to a new contract before the 2026 NFL season began. For the Texans and Stroud, that meant they needed to come to terms on a new deal before Sunday, September 13.
ESPN's Adam Schefter's latest report revealed the two sides are pausing contract extension talks until after the 2026 season. The reason why is simple: they couldn't agree to a deal before the season, as the sides were too far apart on a new contract.
C.J. Stroud and Texans pause extension talks
"The Houston Texans and quarterback C.J. Stroud made a run at completing a contract extension before the regular season begins, but both sides agreed they now prefer to wait until after this season to work out a long-term deal, per @RapSheet and me," Schefter reports.
This is a significant update on the Texans' quarterback. While Stroud and the Texans are mutually interested in an extension, evident by their talks prior to this report from Schefter, they were also evidently far apart on a deal.
It's been rumored the Texans are willing to go north of $50 million per-year for Stroud. That seemed possible after Baker Mayfield's $55 million per-year contract over three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was recently agreed to.
But instead of a deal in that ballpark, the Texans and Stroud were likely far enough apart to postpone extension talks until after the 2026 season, with his performance this upcoming season weighing heavily on what his new deal will look like.
MORE: Why Cardinals could trade Jacoby Brissett during 2026 season
If he has a bounce-back season for the Texans, then he could be looking at a deal closer to $60 million per-year than $50 million. But another rough season, and Stroud might not have nearly as big of an offer on the table.
Quarterbacks who are even decent starters will make a ton of money in the NFL, and Stroud surely isn't one of the QBs who will receive a deal under $40 million per-year.
But there are tens, if not hundreds, of millions of dollars on the line for Stroud this upcoming season. It's not an official contract year for Stroud, but it's about as close to one as a player could get.
Texans fans will need to check back in this upcoming offseason, as the future of Stroud in Houston will likely be decided based on how he performs during the 2026 season.
More NFL news: