Texans Pick Up 2027 Options on Stroud, Anderson

Quarterback and defensive end will remain with team through 2027 season.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:12pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy, red, and gray tones, conveying the strategic nature of the Texans' contract decisions.The Texans' strategic moves to lock up their young stars Stroud and Anderson signal a new era of stability and promise for the franchise.Houston Today

The Houston Texans have exercised the 2027 fifth-year contract options for quarterback C.J. Stroud and All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr., according to a report from ESPN's Field Yates. Stroud's option will pay him $25.9 million, while Anderson's will be worth a similar amount as the team looks to keep its core young talent in place for the long term.

Why it matters

Locking up Stroud and Anderson, two of the Texans' top young players, is a significant move for the franchise as it looks to build a contender in the coming years. Stroud was the team's first-round pick in 2024 and has shown promise as the starting QB, while Anderson has emerged as an elite pass rusher since being drafted in the first round in 2023.

The details

The Texans have exercised the fifth-year contract options for both Stroud and Anderson, which will keep them under team control through the 2027 season. Stroud's option is worth $25.9 million, while Anderson's is expected to be in a similar range as an All-Pro caliber player.

  • The Texans made the decision to pick up the options on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

C.J. Stroud

The Texans' starting quarterback since being drafted in the first round in 2024.

Will Anderson Jr.

An All-Pro defensive end for the Texans who was a first-round pick in 2023.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Locking up C.J. and Will for the long term is a huge priority for our organization. They are two of the cornerstones we're building around.”

— Nick Caserio, General Manager, Houston Texans

What’s next

The Texans will now look to sign both Stroud and Anderson to long-term contract extensions before their fifth-year options expire.

The takeaway

By exercising the fifth-year options on their young star quarterback and defensive end, the Texans are signaling their commitment to building around Stroud and Anderson as the cornerstones of the franchise for the foreseeable future.