On the back of every Houston Texans fan's mind, a question lingers as multiple star players near the end of their contracts.
Can the Texans afford to keep both C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr.?
During the 2023 NFL Draft, the Texans struck gold in selecting Stroud and Anderson in back-to-back picks in the first round. Since then, both have proven to be invaluable with each earning Rookie of the Year honors in their first season.
After this season, both Texans standouts will have one year remaining, plus a fifth-year option, which often opens the conversation for franchise cornerstone players.
Sports Illustrated's Connor Orr predicts that only one of Houston’s 2023 draft stars— Stroud or Anderson —will sign a market-topping contract extension after the 2026 NFL season.
In his recent article listing 100 predictions for the upcoming NFL season, Orr wrote, "After another early playoff exit, the Texans are going to work feverishly to lock up Anderson before the Micah Parsons deal completely obliterates the pass-rushing market and makes signing one next to impossible."
Currently, Parsons is playing on a fifth-year option. Some analysts predict Parsons' next contract could see the Cowboys' All Pro defensive end earn upwards of $45 million per season. A contract of that size would likely drive up the cost of keeping Anderson around.
Dec 25, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) runs onto the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium.
Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) runs onto the field.
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
"That leaves Stroud to either cement his fortune or watch it dwindle the following offseason," Orr wrote.
"Signing Anderson also creates leverage for the Texans by making it easier to eventually use a franchise tag on their quarterback."
While the Texans will likely have no desire to part with either player, they might be given no choice.