Steelers Reportedly Eyeing Texans QB C.J. Stroud in Offseason Trade

NFL analyst predicts Pittsburgh will inquire about acquiring the former Pro Bowl QB from Houston

Mar. 1, 2026 at 5:31pm

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Despite an underwhelming playoff performance, the Houston Texans have no plans to trade quarterback C.J. Stroud this offseason. However, Sports Illustrated's Connor Orr believes the Pittsburgh Steelers will reach out to the Texans about potentially acquiring the fourth-year passer, viewing him as a "reclamation project" for the AFC North franchise.

Why it matters

Stroud has led the Texans to the divisional round of the playoffs in three straight seasons, but his struggles in the postseason have raised questions about his long-term future in Houston. The Steelers, who are always in win-now mode, could see Stroud as a potential upgrade at quarterback and be willing to part with valuable draft capital to acquire him.

The details

Orr predicts the Steelers will offer the Texans a pair of late first-round picks in exchange for Stroud. However, the Texans are unlikely to accept anything less than two first-rounders as the starting point for trade negotiations, given Stroud's status as a franchise quarterback. The Texans are also in win-now mode after three straight playoff appearances, so they would need to be convinced that any potential replacement for Stroud could immediately lead the team to a conference title.

  • Stroud has guided the Texans to the divisional round of the playoffs in three straight seasons.
  • Stroud struggled in the Texans' most recent playoff appearance.

The players

C.J. Stroud

The fourth-year quarterback for the Houston Texans, who has made the Pro Bowl and led the team to the divisional round of the playoffs in three straight seasons.

Pittsburgh Steelers

An AFC North franchise that is always in win-now mode and could be interested in acquiring Stroud as a potential upgrade at quarterback.

Connor Orr

A Sports Illustrated analyst who predicts the Steelers will inquire about trading for Stroud this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not saying Houston will pick up, but I am saying that the Texans will receive a phone call. Stroud is the perfect pipe-dream reclamation project for a Steelers team that never plans to rebuild and is still probably too good to project for a top-10 pick in 2027.”

— Connor Orr, Sports Illustrated Analyst (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

The Texans and Steelers would need to agree on a trade package, with the Texans likely seeking at least two first-round picks in exchange for Stroud. However, the Texans may be reluctant to part with their starting quarterback, especially if they believe he can bounce back from his playoff struggles.

The takeaway

This potential trade scenario highlights the delicate balance teams must strike between short-term success and long-term planning. The Steelers see Stroud as a potential upgrade, but the Texans may be unwilling to part with a quarterback who has led them to the playoffs in three straight seasons, even if he has struggled in the postseason.