This season is shaping up to be a critical one for C.J. Stroud, who drew attention for connecting with a player the Houston Texans could very well have their sights set on as the 2026 draft approaches.
Stroud has been open about his struggles, and he vowed to come back better from them.
The discourse around him has featured a tone of caution, albeit with some optimism that he can get back to his rookie form or at least close to it.
C.J. Stroud Works Out With LSU’s Chris Hilton Jr.
GettyChris Hilton Jr. #3 of the Louisiana State Tigers tries to pull in a pass against the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Stroud has been busy this offseason, and on Saturday, the Texans QB turned up in an Instagram video, getting on-field work in with former LSU Tigers wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr.
“Texans QB C.J. Stroud working out with former LSU WR and 2026 draft prospect Chris Hilton Jr.,” Sleeper affiliate Jacob posted on X on April 11, including the video of the session. “Stroud has been working out in California with his QB Coach Adam Dedeaux (Train3DQB) who trains many other NFL QBs including last years MVP Matthew Stafford.”
Hilton is a polarizing prospect whose speed could lead teams to overlook his red flags.
“Hilton’s NFL grade is based entirely on speed and potential, as he couldn’t put together a full season as a starter at LSU (mostly because of injuries),” The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote in his “The Beast” draft guide. “He is a developmental vertical threat — but needs a lot of work.”
Hilton is Brugler’s WR50, which could make him a target for the Texans after the draft amid his budding chemistry with Stroud.
C.J. Stroud Sparking Polarizing Discourse
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after losing to the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.
Stroud’s postseason shortcomings during the Texans’ postseason run have been highlighted this offseason, particularly amid the uncertainty around his long-term future.
The Texans have expressed their faith in Stroud and picked up his fifth-year option.
However, the lack of expectations for a contract extension speaks volumes. Fox Sports’ Nick Wright compared the situation to the “mistake” the Arizona Cardinals made with Kyler Murray, extending him after a “catastrophe of a performance” in the playoffs.
“I am not opposed to telling my potential franchise quarterback on a rookie deal, ‘We love you. You’re our guy. We’re not ready to pay you yet.’ If I’m Houston, I am really spooked by those two playoff games. 5 fumbles in the first one, 4 picks in the second one, and a guy who looked shaken to his core. There is no chance in hell I’m extending him this summer,” Nick Wright said on the “What’s Wright” podcast on April 11.
“Picking up the fifth-year option is a no-brainer. I also think this is a no-brainer. I need to see what he looks like next year, and then we can have the discussion.”
Stroud lost 2 of those fumbles in a game the Texans won against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Notably, the Cardinals took a sizeable cap hit and cut Murray this offseason. Murray, the No. 1 pick in 2019, signed with the Minnesota Vikings in free agency. He is expected to start over 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy.
The Texans surely hope to avoid a similar outcome with Stroud, who they selected second overall in 2023.
Texans’ Super Bowl Chances ‘on C.J. [Stroud]’s Shoulders’
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans looks on during warm-ups before facing the Las Vegas Raiders.
Washington Commanders defensive lineman and former Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl champion Charles Omenihu spoke candidly about his thoughts on the Texans’ reaching a Super Bowl and how it hinges on Stroud.
Former NFL player-turned-media personality Emmanuel Acho said he expects the Texans to win a Super Bowl with Stroud at the helm.
Omenihu was not as convinced.
“I got to see it to believe it, bro. A Super Bowl? That’s big. That’s major. Super Bowl ain’t no just small feat, bro. Thats major stuff,” Omenihu said on “Speakeasy” on April 10. “They’re going to win the division. But … if they’re gonna win the division, they need to win it handily. It don’t need to be where they’re 11-6. Nah. It need to be like, ‘Okay, we’re a 12-win team.
“It need to be where we got multiple home games in the playoffs. Like, ‘Okay, if we go to the AC Championship Game, we ain’t got a home game? Okay, fine. But with how they’ve loaded up the roster, … it’s going to be on C.J.’s shoulders, for sure.”
The expectations on Stroud speak to the bar that he has set for himself and the Texans as he heads into his fourth NFL season.
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