This offseason is critical for C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans, and there is good news from the NFL on that front. Stroud enters the offseason facing plenty of doubt after back-to-back seasons of play that have fallen short of his historic rookie campaign.
A new message from one of his Texans brethren tells the truth about how they view Stroud, and the update from the league could go a long way toward helping the former No. 3 pick ascend.
Of course, Stroud and the Texans had similar goals last offseason, only to achieve mixed results.
C.J. Stroud Gets Clear Message From Nico Collins
GettyNico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans reacts against the Seattle Seahawks.
Stroud showed progress in key areas in 2025, as he improved his touchdown and interception rates, and missed three contests during the Texans’ regular-season slate. He followed that with a turnover-riddled playoffs, including 4 interceptions in the AFC Championship Game.
The third-year QB spoke candidly about his struggles in the postseason and his plans to be better going forward after the game and the days that followed.
Teammate Nico Collins made sure Stroud was not too down on himself.
“Just keep your head up, man,” Collins told KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson about his message to Stroud. It’s not the way we want to end. Our goal was to go to the Super Bowl, but things happen. But, man, just keep being you, brother. Don’t let this one game define who you are. We all know who you are. Keep being a star, keep being the leader you are, keep being the light in the room, man. And just keep being you. So, the dude’s a baller, man. One freak of a athlete.”
Collins was doing a fan meet-and-greet for TRISTAR Productions, signing autographs and partaking in photo ops with supporters in attendance. Like Stroud, Collins missed time during the regular season. Collins, like most of the Texans, is eager for next season to arrive.
“I’m excited for next year, man,” Collins said. “Just can’t wait to get back on the field with the guys, man, with the fellas. Get back around and continue to be great.”
Stroud could be well-paid by then, especially after the Texans received word from the NFL.
C.J. Stroud, Texans Get Good News
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans looks on before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Texans will need to consider multiple factors this offseason, as Stroud becomes extension-eligible, along with fellow 2023 draftee, defensive end Will Anderson Jr., the No. 3 pick in that class.
Anderson’s future is viewed as a sure thing, but Stroud’s has come under scrutiny following his postseason showing.
The Texans have multiple avenues, all of them with more flexibility than previously thought.
“The NFL informed clubs today it is projecting a 2026 salary cap in the range of $301.2 million to $305.7 million per club, per source,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on X on January 30. “That would represent another significant jump from this year’s $279.2 million cap number, and nearly $100M than the $208.2M cap in 2022.”
The Texans are still projected to be $5.2 million over the cap, per Spotrac, and a multi-year extension for Stroud and/or Anderson would eliminate much of the room they can create this offseason.
Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti projected more than $54 million in potential savings for the Texans with roster cuts and cap conversions, including $16 million from Collins.
That might not make the Texans’ decision on Stroud easy, but it does lessen the financial factor.
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