C.J. Stroud's recent struggles make extension talks very complex

In what could be a make-or-break year for C.J. Stroud's time with the Houston Texans, the team has announced that they will not negotiate a new contract during the season. Texans general manager Nick Caserio reportedly set a Week one deadline for agreeing to an extension, saying, "If we don't get it figured out before the season starts, then it'll be something we address in the offseason." According to league sources, Stroud and the Texans have held offseason negotiations but have yet to reach an agreement. The window for reaching a deal before the season starts is closing fast, with about a week remaining. The Texans did, however, pick up Stroud's fifth-year player option through April of 2027. The flexibility is there to agree, but with Stroud's recent decline in play relative to where he was very early in his career, this may be his last chance to make a deep playoff run with the Texans. He will also need to limit any turnovers in crucial situations. Stroud had a historic rookie season in 2023, throwing for just over 4,100 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only 5 interceptions. He has also led the Texans to two AFC South Division titles. Each season since, he has regressed. During the 2025 season, Stroud would throw for just over 3,000 yards with 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. He would miss three games with a concussion. Ball security has been the main factor, with Stroud turning the ball over on seven different occasions in two playoff games. This included four first-half turnovers against the New England Patriots in last year's AFC Divisional Round. Sacks have been an issue as well. In 2024, Stroud was sacked a league-leading 52 times. The offensive line has been shored up for the most part, but all of this has made the negotiations on an extension very complex. This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: C.J. Stroud's recent struggles make extension talks very complex