Texans Exercise Fifth-Year Options for Stroud, Anderson Through 2027

Houston locks up young stars at QB and DE for additional seasons.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:55pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the action on the field.The Texans' strategic moves to secure their young stars Stroud and Anderson signal a franchise focused on the future.Houston Today

The Houston Texans have exercised the fifth-year contract options for quarterback C.J. Stroud and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., keeping both players under team control through the 2027 season. Stroud's 2027 salary is set at $25.904 million, while Anderson's is $21.512 million.

Why it matters

This move secures the long-term futures of two of the Texans' top young talents, giving the team more time to evaluate Stroud's development and solidify Anderson as a cornerstone defensive player. It also sets the stage for potential lucrative contract extensions down the line.

The details

Stroud, the 2nd overall pick in 2023, had a strong rookie season but struggled with injuries and inconsistency over the following two years. Anderson, the 3rd overall pick, has quickly emerged as one of the league's premier pass rushers, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year, two Pro Bowl selections, and a first-team All-Pro nod in his first three seasons.

  • The Texans exercised the fifth-year options on April 9, 2026.
  • Stroud's 2027 salary is set at $25.904 million.
  • Anderson's 2027 salary is set at $21.512 million.

The players

C.J. Stroud

The Texans' starting quarterback, who was the 2nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He had a strong rookie season but has dealt with injuries and inconsistency in the following two years.

Will Anderson Jr.

The Texans' star edge rusher, who was the 3rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has quickly developed into one of the league's premier defensive players, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year, two Pro Bowl selections, and a first-team All-Pro nod in his first three seasons.

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What they’re saying

“The Texans have exercised the 2027 fifth-year options on the contracts of QB CJ Stroud and All Pro DE Will Anderson, per source. Stroud is now due $25.904M in 2027, while Anderson is due $21.512M. Both players are also extension eligible.”

— Field Yates, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The Texans are expected to prioritize long-term contract extensions for both Stroud and Anderson in the coming years, as the team looks to lock up its young core for the future.

The takeaway

This move demonstrates the Texans' commitment to building around Stroud and Anderson as the cornerstones of their franchise. While Stroud's long-term future remains uncertain, the team has secured two more years to evaluate him, while Anderson's status as an elite defensive player is cemented.