The Houston Texans have liked what they have seen from C.J. Stroud following what the quarterback has admitted was a poor showing during last year’s playoffs.
Stroud owned up to it, and he has since gone about putting together a strong offseason, complete with changes to his appearance and diet. Most importantly, though, Stroud has been healthy and dialed in during all team activities.
That bodes well for the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
C.J. Stroud Impressing Texans With Strong Offseason
Stroud has led the Texans to the postseason every year since they selected him second overall in the 2023 draft. Were it not for his meltdown in the playoffs, his future with the organization might be more secure.
As it stands, general manager Nick Caserio and the Texans have expressed faith in Stroud, despite not giving him a long-term extension.
The way Stroud has looked this offseason, the Texans may have cost themselves some money.
“Obviously, the number one storyline here revolves around the quarterback. C.J. Stroud did not play well in the playoffs; I don’t think there’s any argument over that,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said in a video shared on X on August 7.
“But the way they’ve seen C.J. respond over the course of the last four months has them believing that he’s ready to take another step in his development. He was healthy the entire offseason, which allowed him to do a lot more work in the spring. He’s been steady. He’s been consistent.”
Stroud changed his diet and cut his hair, among other changes to his appearance, this offseason. But there is no substitute for the work, and he has done that, too.
All of those developments have been encouraging to and for the Texans.
“That steadiness, that consistency, the perseverance, in addition to the partnership with Nick Caley growing, has enabled him to take another step from a leadership standpoint,” Breer said of the Texans’ view of Stroud.
“They’re optimistic about where he is and how he responded to a really rough couple of playoff games.”
Texans Could Be Costing Themselves Money
There is inherent risk in the Texans’ approach, both for them and for Stroud, as they appear all but set to play out the 2026 season before deciding on a long-term plan.
Stroud is risking injury and the possiblity of another season of regression, while the Texans could see him bounce back just as his offseason suggests he could. That will only make the price tag the Texans have been unwilling to meet rise higher.
Stroud has been clear that he wants to remain with the Texans.
They have likewise been publicly supportive of Stroud, while also leaving some fairly clear hints about what areas they want him to improve in, like decision-making, particularly under duress.
Speculation about a potential trade swirled (and was shot down) earlier in the offseason. But if Stroud’s offseason changes fail to take during the regular season, the Texans’ QB will face more scrutiny and uncertainty than before.
So far, Stroud and the Texans are confident that will not happen.
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