C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans have agreed to wait until after the 2026 season to continue negotiations on a long-term contract, according to a report from sports.yahoo.com. The sides had been pursuing an extension before the regular season began. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the decision on X, citing Schefter and RapSheet.
Stroud is under contract through the 2027 season after Houston exercised his fifth-year option. The delay leaves his contract beyond that season unresolved, although the report says Stroud and the Texans still want to reach a multiyear agreement.
Reports this offseason have mentioned a potential offer between $50 million and $55 million. Another reported figure was about $70 million, but the exact amounts exchanged and how close the negotiations came to an agreement are unclear. Stroud received strong offseason praise for his preparation, and the report says he is drawing motivation from his performance in difficult conditions during 2025.
He and the Texans will now focus on the 2026 season. The story was originally published by HEAVY.
