CJ Stroud reportedly turned down a lucrative contract offer from the Houston Texans, causing a stalemate in negotiations. The 24-year-old quarterback is prepared to bet on himself and play the 2026 NFL season without a new long-term deal. The Texans made a "competitive offer" somewhere north of $50 million per year, according to a report from NFL insider Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
"Several people with knowledge of the situation believe Stroud is prepared to play out this season without a new deal, despite Houston making what it considered a competitive offer," Fowler reported. "There's still time before kickoff to reach a deal -- and the Texans' front office is aggressive in re-signing core players — but the current sentiment is Stroud will most likely not end up with a new deal. "My understanding is Houston is prepared to put Stroud in what it feels is a strong place among the 12 quarterbacks in the $50 million club." Stroud burst onto the NFL scene as the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, completing 63.9% of his pass attempts for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions.
But over the last couple seasons in Houston, the former No. 2 overall pick has yet to return to that level of production. Texans general manager Nick Caserio set a Week 1 deadline for a decision on Stroud's deal. "If we don't get it figured out before the season starts, then it'll be something we address in the offseason," Caserio said.
The Texans will kickoff against the Buffalo Bills in a Week 1 matchup on Sept. 13.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
