Texans Pick Up CJ Stroud's Fifth-Year Option

The decision doesn't appear to change the quarterback's future with the team, according to GM Nick Caserio.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football quarterback in the act of throwing, with the player's body and the ball broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a palette of navy, green, and orange, conveying the complex decision-making process the Texans face regarding Stroud's long-term future.The Texans' decision on CJ Stroud's future contract will require a delicate balancing act between his potential and recent performance.Houston Today

The Houston Texans have picked up the fifth-year option for quarterback CJ Stroud, their 2023 first-round draft pick. Texans GM Nick Caserio said the move was more of a procedural decision and doesn't affect Stroud's future with the team. However, the Texans will need to figure out how to manage Stroud's contract along with that of star pass rusher Will Anderson Jr., whose fifth-year option was also picked up.

Why it matters

The Texans are facing a delicate contract situation as they need to determine if Stroud is their long-term answer at quarterback while also needing to re-sign Anderson, an All-Pro defender. Picking up the fifth-year options buys the team more time, but they'll eventually have to make tough decisions on how to allocate their salary cap resources between the two players.

The details

The Texans picked up the fifth-year options for both Stroud and Anderson, their 2023 first-round picks. Stroud's option is worth $25.9 million in 2027, while Anderson's is $21.5 million. Typically, teams pick up these options before signing players to contract extensions. Stroud had a solid rookie season, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year, but struggled at times in 2024 and the playoffs. The Texans will need to decide if he is their long-term answer at quarterback or if they need to look elsewhere.

  • On Wednesday, the Texans picked up the fifth-year options for Stroud and Anderson.
  • Stroud's fifth-year option is worth $25.9 million in 2027.
  • Anderson's fifth-year option is worth $21.5 million in 2027.

The players

CJ Stroud

The Texans' 2023 first-round draft pick and starting quarterback. He was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023 but has struggled to take the next step in his development.

Will Anderson Jr.

The Texans' 2023 first-round draft pick and an All-Pro pass rusher. The team picked up his fifth-year option alongside Stroud's.

Nick Caserio

The general manager of the Houston Texans.

DeMeco Ryans

The head coach of the Houston Texans.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't really think it affects his future. I mean, he's our quarterback. We've said that from the beginning. (Head coach) DeMeco (Ryans) and I have both said it. I think it was more of a procedural thing.”

— Nick Caserio, General Manager, Houston Texans

“I don't want to say it was a no-brainer, but it was kind of a no-brainer. So, glad he's here. Again, it's more part of the process. We're excited about his offseason. He's had a good approach, had a good attitude here. He's put a lot of work in March and April, so excited to have him around for the spring and excited to keep moving forward.”

— Nick Caserio, General Manager, Houston Texans

What’s next

The Texans will need to decide if they want to sign Stroud to a long-term contract extension or potentially look to move on from him if he doesn't show significant improvement in 2026. They'll also have to figure out how to allocate their salary cap resources between Stroud and Anderson, who is an elite pass rusher.

The takeaway

The Texans' decision to pick up Stroud's fifth-year option buys them more time to evaluate his long-term potential, but they face a delicate contract situation as they also need to re-sign star pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. The team will have to carefully weigh its options and determine if Stroud is truly their quarterback of the future.