The enter the 2026 season as one of the favorites in the AFC, led by a defense that is expected to be one of the best in all of football. However, questions remain about the Houston offense, specially quarterback C.J. Stroud.
during his rookie season, when he took the NFL by storm and led the Texans to a surprising playoff berth and an AFC South title. Since then, however, the former Ohio State star has been jogging in place to a degree and his development has stagnated.
Those struggles came to a head last season when . He played poorly in a Wild Card Round win over the Pittsburgh Steelers before throwing four interceptions in a Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots. Those performances made many fans and pundits question whether the Texans should give Stroud a contract extension when he became eligible this offseason.
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Before Week 1, Stroud refused to get into his contract negotiations and maintained that on football.
“My focus is on football,” Stroud said.
The former No. 2 overall pick added that he is leaving it to David Mulugheta, his agent, to handle all of the contract talks with the team on behalf of Stroud.
Stroud has no excuses coming into this season, as the Texans return most of a core that many think can contend for an AFC Championship and a Super Bowl this season. Nico Collins is back and gives Stroud a true No. 1 receiver on the outside, and the Texans dealt with a devastating injury to Jayden Higgins by trading for Kayshon Boutte. Houston also added running back David Montgomery this offseason to assist Stroud in the run game.
Stroud can earn himself a lot more money this season with a big year and a deep playoff run. There is some downside risk if he does play poorly this season, but the Texans signal-caller is firmly focused on having a career season in 2026.
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