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Is C.J. Stroud the Texans’ lengthy-term acknowledge? (2:40)
Neatly off Eisen and Chris Brockman debate what the Texans ought to peaceful raise out with C.J. Stroud. (2:40)
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DJ Bien-AimeApr 8, 2026, 12:Forty eight PM ET
- DJ Bien-Aime covers the Houston Texans for ESPN. He joined ESPN in July of 2022 after covering the Unique York Jets for the Unique York On each day foundation Info. He’s a old athlete who completed his college occupation at Louisville. Prospects are you’ll maybe maybe procure DJ on ESPN Radio on his train “Talkin’ Texans.”
HOUSTON — The Texans bear exercised the 2027 fifth-365 days alternatives for quarterback C.J. Stroud and All-Pro defensive cease Will Anderson Jr., a offer told ESPN’s Field Yates on Wednesday.
Stroud will fabricate $25.9 million and Anderson will receive $21.5 million in 2027. The salaries are fully guaranteed.
Selecting up their fifth-365 days alternatives is a precursor to most likely contract extensions. Every Stroud and Anderson completed their third NFL seasons in 2025, making them eligible for extensions this offseason. Every bear turn out to be Pro Bowlers in Houston, and Anderson notched his first All-Pro different in 2025.
Anderson’s contract has priority over Stroud’s, consistent with league sources. The third-365 days defensive cease had 12 sacks (tied for eighth), 20 tackles for loss (tied for fourth) and anchored the No. 2-ranked scoring and complete defense in 2025.
After having a historic rookie season throughout which Stroud grew to turn out to be the fifth first-365 days quarterback to pass for greater than 4.000 yards, he hasn’t reached that complete in a season since. Ultimate season, he threw for 3,041 passing yards (nineteenth) with 19 touchdowns (Twenty 2d), eight interceptions (Twenty first fewest) and posted a QBR of 61.7 (11th) in 14 games. His QBR rating changed into as soon as the ultimate of his occupation and Houston went 9-5 in his begins.
The Texans completed the long-established season on a nine-game winning high-tail to create a wild-card berth after starting up 3-5 (including an 0-3 launch).
There had been moments when Stroud looked like a premier quarterback, corresponding to against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5, when he threw for four touchdowns. Nonetheless, he missed 3½ games with the 2d concussion of his occupation.
Stroud’s playoff lag changed into as soon as underwhelming, as he had a two-game stretch featuring seven turnovers (5 interceptions). Houston reached the divisional spherical after crushing the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 however misplaced 28-16 to the Unique England Patriots when Stroud threw four interceptions.
Stroud and Anderson arrived in Houston in chronicle draft day trend in 2023. The Texans drafted Stroud with the 2d overall make a choice, then surprisingly traded up with the Arizona Cardinals to fabricate the third overall make a choice and make a choice out Anderson.
Since Anderson and Stroud joined the Texans, Houston is 32-19 in the long-established season with three playoff wins and two AFC South titles.
