Largely out of nowhere, it was reported on Thursday that the Houston Texans “have had discussions with” quarterback C.J. Stroud a couple of potential contract extension.
It was beforehand thought that the Texans would not do something relating to Stroud’s deal after they picked up the fifth-year possibility for 2027 connected to his contract this spring. Throughout Friday’s version of the ESPN “Get Up” program, former NFL normal supervisor and present analyst Mike Tannenbaum prompt that each the Texans and Stroud ought to be simply positive with ready earlier than they probably put pen to paper on a deal.
Ought to C.J. Stroud guess on himself via the 2026 season?
“If I am C.J. Stroud,” Tannenbaum explained, “if that quantity does not start with a six, that means $60M or extra, why ought to I take lower than all these different younger, rising quarterbacks? …His physique of labor most likely does not justify it but. If I am him, I am most likely going to guess on myself this 12 months.”
Tannenbaum was referencing how groups across the league would likely pass on giving Stroud a deal that would come with a mean wage of $60M per season after the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the 12 months regressed over the previous two seasons. Most just lately, Stroud threw 5 interceptions and misplaced two of 5 fumbles over his final two playoff appearances this previous January.
It is unclear what Stroud’s camp has requested for throughout negotiations, and it is also unknown how a lot the Texans could be prepared to pay him. Presumably, Houston needs so as to add years to Stroud’s deal now as a result of he would grow to be solely dearer if he stays wholesome and produces a stellar 2026 season.
Then once more, the Texans additionally know they may ultimately retain Stroud’s rights through the franchise tag if needed.
Why the Texans might wish to suppose twice about paying C.J. Stroud
In the meantime, Conor Orr of Sports activities Illustrated is amongst those that have identified that the Texans function a championship-caliber protection. Tannenbaum famous that Houston might not should spend cash on an marketed top-tier quarterback to win a Tremendous Bowl sooner or later over the following few years.
“It’s a really distinctive scenario as a result of hardly ever do you see each side probably benefiting (from not signing an extension),” Tannenbaum stated. “So should you’re in Houston…we’re speaking a couple of traditionally nice protection. They’ve loaded up in any respect three ranges, unquestionably a top-two or (top-three) protection. And also you’re saying, ‘OK, can we put (backup) Davis Mills in there? Can we put a B, B-minus quarterback in there and pay them $20M, $30M, $35M a 12 months and win and have a consultant probability to go to the Tremendous Bowl?”
That is a query Texans normal supervisor Nick Caserio and group possession should reply earlier than the membership opens the common season with a house sport in opposition to the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 13.
