As the NFL offseason shifts from the draft into full-swing workouts and minicamps, the Houston Texans find themselves at the center of an unexpected quarterback debate. While many teams used free agency and the draft to shore up their rosters, the Texans' biggest question mark surprisingly surrounds their franchise signal-caller, C.J. Stroud.
Recent speculation from some media outlets has suggested the Texans could part ways with Stroud within the next year or two. But team CEO Cal McNair put those rumors to rest with a clear message on Monday: the organization is "totally behind" their young quarterback. McNair, who first made the statement during the NFL annual meetings last month, has since doubled down on that commitment, according to the Houston Chronicle.
It's a stance that makes sense given Stroud's track record. Selected second overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Stroud had a dazzling rookie season and has led the Texans to postseason victories in each of his first three years. However, the 2025 campaign proved to be a grind. Consistency eluded both Stroud and the offense, forcing the team to lean heavily on an elite defense—one that scored two touchdowns in a wild-card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers while the offense managed only one score that night.
The struggles weren't entirely on Stroud's shoulders. Injuries and inconsistency along the offensive line created pressure, while his top weapons rotated in and out of the lineup. Notably, wide receiver Tank Dell missed the entire 2025 season after a gruesome late-season injury in 2024.
In response, the Texans made key offseason moves, drafting tight end Marlin Klein and guard Keylan Rutledge. They're also expecting a step forward from Jayden Higgins and hoping Dell returns healthy by the start of the regular season. These additions could give Stroud the support he needs to bounce back.
Still, after a turnover-plagued postseason, Stroud has something to prove. With his fifth-year option picked up, he's under contract through 2027. If he wants to secure a major extension before the 2028 offseason, this season will be critical in showing he's the long-term answer under center for Houston.