Houston Texans fans have noticed that quarterback C.J. Stroud has a new look this offseason, sporting new body ink and cutting his locs. But Stroudâs work goes far beyond cosmetic changes, and the Texans QB has sparked strong reactions.
The timing is significant.
Stroud is under contract through 2027, thanks to his fifth-year option, but is still in search of a contract extension, like many of his teammates have rightfully received.
C.J. Stroud Gets Strong Words From Nico Collins
GettyNico Collins and C.J. Stroud could be in for a big season on the field.
Texans wide receiver Nico Collins spoke candidly about Stroud during his (Collinsâ) annual charity event in Houston.
The two have been a duo since the Texans selected Stroud second overall in 2023, two years after taking Collins in Round 3. Collins has had three straight 1,000-yard seasons and back-to-back Pro Bowls with Stroud as his QB.
Collins expects an even sharper version of the former Offensive Rookie of the Year.
âOh, different guy. Definitely,â Collins told KPRC 2âs Aaron Wilson on May 9. âDifferent dude. Man on a mission, and heâs ready to hunt.â
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has also lauded Stroudâs dedication this offseason, saying the QB has âdone a really good job all offseasonâ by simply âcontinuing to be locked in, continuing to prepare the right way.â
âHeâs been dialed in to our strength sessions, our coaching sessions, and our meetings. Heâs been dialed in, very into it, and thatâs all you can ask for, all our guys at this time. Everybodyâs looking to grow. And C.J.âs ⦠doing a great job of growing and learning,â Ryans told Wilson on May 4, noting all the work can only help throughout the season.
âHeâs doing extra things with his body as well, body maintenance. So, Iâm proud of the work that heâs putting in right now.â
Ryans believes Stroud is âlaying the groundwork right now to have a really good season.â
C.J. Stroud Getting Once-Dynamic Duo Back Together
GettyTank Dell has rejoined the Houston Texans during their offseason program activities.
Stroudâs postseason struggles capped a campaign that included early-season inconsistency from the offense under first-year coordinator Nick Caley. Collins is excited about how much better they can be in 2026, especially after their offseason moves.
That includes Stroudâs changes.
âI guess itâs the offseason, time away,â Collins said of the trimmed-down Stroud. âEverybody needs to get time away, but he looked good. Everybody looked great, man. Iâm glad everybodyâs back. Tank Dell looking good. Iâm glad heâs back now, getting his groove back, man. Just all around, offense and defense, man, Iâm glad everybody is back in the building and getting things down pat so we can go on this road.â
Dell, Stroudâs draft classmate in 2023, missed the entire 2025 season with the second significant leg injury of his career. He is expected to play in 2026.
If Dell is still explosive, he and Collins give Stroud and the Texans a potent playmaking combo.
C.J. Stroud Cited Among Texansâ Potential Limiting Factors
GettyC.J. Stroud is heading into a key fourth NFL season.
Stroud continues to be the biggest question mark for the Texans, with The Athleticâs Austin Mock name-dropping him among other general positional concerns.
Mockâs model projected that the Texans, as constructed, would beat an average NFL roster by 2.2 points per game. That was the eighth-best mark in the league and second-best in the AFC South behind the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Stroud was the only player mentioned by name in the explanation.
âItâs fitting that the team after the offense-powered Cowboys is the defense-driven Texans. If you blended these two teams, the resulting squad might be a juggernaut!â Mock wrote on May 8
âThe Texans have elite edge rushers and cornerbacks, as well as tremendous upside on the interior defensive line. On offense, however, the outlook remains bleak beyond a solid group of wide receivers. Houstonâs offensive tackles rank 26th, its interior offensive line ranks 21st, and thatâs before we get into the conversation about quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has struggled since a fine rookie season in 2023.â
Stroud has downplayed the level of control he has over his future with the Texans. He is clearly heading into a pivotal season, even with the Texans picking up his fifth-year option and offering their support for him vocally at every opportunity.
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