On Wednesday, the Houston Texans made the decision to pick up the fifth-year option of defensive end Will Anderson Jr. quarterback C.J. Stroud, both first-round picks in the 2023 draft.
Stroud, the No. 2 pick in 2023, is set to make $25.9 million in 2027. Anderson, the No. 3 pick, will earn $21.5 million in 2027.
Typically, teams pick up the fifth-year option before signing a player to a contract extension. It’s fair to wonder what the Texans’ plans are for Stroud, who won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year but has struggled to elevate his game after the 2023 campaign.
Stroud threw for 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season. He threw for 462 yards, two touchdowns and five interceptions through two games in the postseason.
On Monday, Texans General Manager Nick Caserio argued that the fifth-year option wouldn’t change Stroud’s future with the team.
“I don’t really think it affects his future,” Caserio said, via video from Aaron Wilson of KPRC. “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.
“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.”
Picking up the fifth-year option for Stroud might be easy. Figuring out what to do next won’t be.
Per Over the Cap, the Texans have $21 million in cap space for 2027. Houston needs to figure out if they want to pay Anderson, an All-Pro, and Stroud.
With salaries rising for quarterbacks and pass-rushers, the Texans need to be sure that Stroud is capable of leading the team to the Super Bowl on a contract extension.
The situation is delicate. The Texans could cause some drama if they negotiate with Anderson first, waiting to see if Stroud plays better in 2026 before signing him to a long-term deal.