Texans' Trent Brown Expects Better C.J. Stroud in 2026

Veteran offensive tackle believes young QB will bounce back after tough playoff exit.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:08pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting in vibrant neon colors depicts the powerful motion and energy of a football quarterback, with the player's features dissolving into expressive brushstrokes.An explosive, energetic illustration captures the determination of Texans QB C.J. Stroud as he looks to bounce back from a tough playoff exit.Houston Today

Houston Texans offensive tackle Trent Brown has expressed confidence that quarterback C.J. Stroud will rebound in 2026 after a difficult end to the 2025 season. Stroud, the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year, led the Texans to three straight playoff berths but struggled in the team's recent postseason losses, prompting some doubts about his future. However, Brown believes Stroud will surprise people with his improved leadership and approach in the upcoming season.

Why it matters

Stroud's development is crucial for the Texans, who have built their franchise around the young QB. After a promising start to his career, Stroud's struggles in the playoffs raised questions about his long-term potential. Brown's public support for Stroud could help boost the QB's confidence and rally the team behind him as he looks to take the next step in his career.

The details

In a recent interview, Brown said he expects Stroud to "get better" and become "even more of a leader" in 2026. Brown revealed he had a conversation with Stroud about a month and a half ago, discussing the QB's season and areas for improvement. Brown believes Stroud's offseason approach will be "a little different" and that the young QB will "surprise a lot of people" after some doubted him following the playoff losses.

  • Stroud was named the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
  • Over the past two seasons, Stroud led the Texans to three consecutive playoff berths.
  • In the Texans' recent playoff losses, Stroud struggled, fumbling five times in a wild-card win over the Steelers and throwing four interceptions in a divisional round loss to the Patriots.
  • Brown and Stroud had a conversation about a month and a half ago to discuss the QB's season and areas for improvement.

The players

Trent Brown

A veteran offensive tackle for the Houston Texans who has expressed confidence in quarterback C.J. Stroud's ability to bounce back in 2026.

C.J. Stroud

The Houston Texans' starting quarterback, who was named the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year but has faced some struggles over the past two seasons, including a difficult playoff exit in 2025.

Dalton Schultz

A Texans tight end who has spoken up in support of quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Nico Collins

A Texans wide receiver who has also voiced support for quarterback C.J. Stroud.

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What they’re saying

“I expect C.J. to get better. People be so quick to throw people away that they forget what you've done for them. The build up, you know what I mean? I expect C.J. to get better. I think C.J. is going to come in and be even more of a leader than he's been. I think his approach will be different. Me and C.J. had a discussion probably about a month and a half ago and talked about the season and what he could be better at. I think this offseason is a little different for him and I think he's going to surprise a lot of people. I think people think that he might be down in the dumps, or they might be down in the dumps on him, but I think he's going to surprise a lot of people.”

— Trent Brown, Offensive Tackle, Houston Texans

What’s next

The Texans will be closely watching Stroud's progress and leadership during the offseason as he looks to bounce back from his playoff struggles. The team's success in 2026 will largely depend on Stroud's ability to regain his form from his rookie season.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of patience and support for young, talented players like Stroud, who have shown promise but faced adversity. Brown's public backing of Stroud could help rally the team and fanbase behind the QB as he aims to prove the doubters wrong and lead the Texans to greater success in the upcoming season.