The Houston Texans and quarterback C. J. Stroud have decided to delay contract extension negotiations until after the 2026 season, according to league sources speaking with ESPN and NFL Network.

Stroud will play out the final year of his four-year, $36.28 million rookie deal, which includes a fully guaranteed $25.9 million fifth-year option for 2027 already picked up by the Texans. General manager Nick Caserio confirmed that extension talks would be tabled once Week 1 begins. While Stroud expressed interest in staying in Houston long-term, the anticipated quarterback market for 2027 influenced the decision.

With young QBs like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Bo Nix, and Jayden Daniels all extension-eligible, and potential deals for Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson setting new benchmarks, Stroud could benefit from waiting if he has a strong season. However, his performance has declined since his standout rookie year in 2023, when he threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns with just five interceptions. In 2024, he passed for 3,727 yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 picks while being sacked 52 times.

In 2025, he managed 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions while missing three games due to a concussion.