The Houston Texans and quarterback C.J. Stroud remain about $10 million apart in extension negotiations, according to a report from fansided.com. Stroud is seeking $60 million, while Houston has offered $50 million. He is under contract through the 2027 season after the Texans exercised his fifth-year option.
Houston has said it would wait until the next offseason to pursue an extension if no agreement is reached before Week 1. The Texans are scheduled to open their season at 1 p.m. Sunday. The report also points to Dak Prescott reaching an agreement with the Dallas Cowboys shortly before their 2024 opener as evidence that a deal could still come late.
Stroud threw for 4,105 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions as a rookie. He exceeded 3,000 yards in each of the next two seasons but stayed below 20 touchdown passes both years and had more interceptions than in his first season.
The report compares his negotiations with Baker Mayfield's, noting Mayfield was in the final year of his contract when he later signed a three-year Tampa Bay deal averaging $55 million annually. Stroud has another season remaining and could receive a franchise tag afterward. Houston's losses to Pittsburgh and New England last postseason, Tank Dell's injury history, offensive-line issues and the running game are also cited.
His 2026 season could affect the Texans' view of a $60 million annual salary.
