The Houston Texans have left the door open for a long-term future without C.J.Stoud as their starting quarterback. Texans general manager Nick Caserio, who has been consistent in his messaging, put an even more authoritative stamp on Stroud’s future.
Stroud has been a polarizing figure this offseason following a tumultuous playoff performance this past season.
The Texans, though, are clear on where they stand.
Nick Caserio: C.J. Stroud is Texans’ QB
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans reacts after defeating the San Francisco 49ers.
Accompanied by assistant GMs Chris Blanco and James Lipfort, Caserio met with the media ahead of the 2026 draft, but the discourse included questions about Stroud’s future with the organization.
The Texans picked up Stroud’s fifth-year option, which keeps him under team control through the 2027 season.
There has been no talk of a long-term deal, though, and the Texans are expected to wait.
“I don’t really think it affects his future. He’s our quarterback. We’ve said that from the beginning. DeMeco [Ryans] and I have both said it. So, I think that was really more of a procedural thing. I don’t wanna say, it was a ‘no-brainer,’ but it’s kind of a no-brainer. So, glad he’s here. Again, it’s more part of the process,” Caserio told reporters on April 13.
“We’re excited about his offseason. I think he’s had a good approach, had a good attitude here. I think he’s put a lot of work in from, let’s say, March and April. So, excited to have him around in the spring and excited to keep him forward.”
Ryans has been equally unequivocal in his support for Stroud, whom the Texans drafted in his first season as head coach.
Ryans said Stroud has been “dialed into the offseason.”
“He’s in full grind [mode] right now,” Ryans said, per KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson in March. “I’m excited to see what comes from the work that he’s putting in. It’s only going to be better. The mindset is right. Physically, he’s in a really good space, mentally in a really good space. So I’m excited to see him get back to work.”
C.J. Stroud Following Through on End-of-Season Promise
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans leaves the field after beating the Las Vegas Raiders.
Stroud has been visible this offseason, and in various ways, including getting in some work with a potential 2026 Texans draft target in Chris Hilton Jr. Stroud, who was invited to participate in the Pro Bowl this past season, said he would come back better after his poor showing.
“For it to be on my plate, for me not to step up, it really hurts me,” Stroud told reporters in January. “I know that I can do that. So, I just hope this city and this organization and my teammates–and I know my teammates will–but I hope everybody gives me a shot to do it again.”
He said he wants to stay in Houston, admitting it was out of his control and in God’s hands.
“I can only, just move forward,” Stroud said. “But I want to be here as long as I can. I love the city of Houston.”
Stroud will count $11.5 million against the Texans’ cap in 2026 and $25.9 million in 2027, if the two sides fail to reach a long-term deal before then. Caserio, who previously shut down trade speculation around Stroud, and the Texans still have plenty of decision-making to do.
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