The Houston Texans and quarterback C.J. Stroud have put contract-extension discussions on hold, with both sides agreeing to revisit a long-term agreement after the 2026 season. The decision came as the team prepared to begin the regular season.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Sept. 12 that the Texans and Stroud had tried to finish an extension before the season started. The report said the two sides remain interested in reaching a long-term agreement, but negotiations will not continue during the season’s buildup.
Stroud is under contract through the 2027 season because the Texans exercised his fifth-year option. The pause leaves questions about his contract beyond that season unresolved, although the report said the decision indicates both sides are still seeking a future deal.
Reported figures connected to the negotiations have ranged from an offer of about $50 million to $55 million to a potential target near $70 million. The exact numbers discussed by the Texans and Stroud were not provided.
The report also noted that Stroud received strong offseason praise for his preparation and is using his difficult 2025 performance as motivation. Houston and Stroud will now turn their attention to the 2026 season before resuming discussions.
