The Houston Texans and quarterback C.J. Stroud have put long-term contract negotiations on hold until the 2026 season is complete, according to a report from sports.yahoo.com. The two sides had been discussing an extension before the regular season began, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X that they chose to wait, citing Schefter and RapSheet.
Stroud is under contract through 2027 after Houston exercised his fifth-year option. That status does not resolve what will happen after that season, and the report says the Texans and Stroud still want to reach a long-term agreement.
Offseason reports have mentioned potential terms ranging from $50 million to $55 million. A separate figure of approximately $70 million has also been reported. The specific amounts exchanged and how near the sides were to a deal remain unclear.
The report also said Stroud earned significant offseason praise for his preparation. His performance in challenging conditions during 2025 is serving as motivation, and he and the Texans will now focus on the 2026 season. The story was first published by HEAVY.
