The young signal-caller has struggled, but still warrants his new extension.
The Texans Quarterback received a controversial extension, despite playoff failures.
CJ Stroud hit the ground running his rookie, putting up arguably the best rookie campaign ever. However, the following two seasons have been less than perfect. His numbers in 2024 and 2025 are similar, with some minor differences. Despite higher numbers in 2024, Stroud played noticeably better in 2025, posting a higher everything on a per game basis, but played 3 less games due to a concussion.
However, these numbers, and the fact that he is only 25, would not make a fan base have trade talks on their own. Back to back playoff stinkers, Backup QB Davis Mills going 3-0, and a general ineptitude in the playoffs, would.
His playoff career started as good as any, putting up a record three touchdown in the first half of the game against the Browns in 2023 in which they would end up winning 45-15. The following week he would get blown out by the ravens, but given their historic defense and MVP Quaterback, it was understandable. In 2024 The Texans started slow, but after an incredible last 2 minutes of the first half, the Texans came alive to defeat the Chargers 45-12. The next week in Kansas City, the Texans lost an agonizing game, in which the Referees and the Chiefs Aura kept the game tantalizingly in reach, but they still lost.
Finally, 2025 came around. The Texans sported an all time defense, one that helped carry the Texans on a 10 game win streak and tying the franchise record of 12-5. He would end up having five fumbles and an interception vs a lone touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Following this, it was considered a low point in his young career. He would get lower. The following week in New England, he would complete 42% of his passes, post a 22 Quaterback Rating, and throw a whopping 4 interceptions and a pick-six. To make it worse, the Texans only lost by 12, leading many fans to believe that if he did not do so, the Texans may have won the game, and even gone to their first Super Bowl.
I mentioned Davis Mills, and he is also a major reason for this general doubt. Following a concussion on a late slide against Denver, Stroud would go out and Mills would come in. He wouldn’t do much vs Denver, but the next week was a different story. Down 19 points to the Rival Jaguars in the fourth, Davis Mills would lead a miraculous comeback, accounting for the second largest comeback in Franchise History. This miraculous game, as well as two more wins over the Titans and Bills, would jumpstart the Texans 10 game winning streak.
Stroud would come back, and continue to play good ball, but the question lingered in the back of Texans fans minds, who really was better?
The Texans also sported the best defense in all of Football, which hosted 6 pro bowlers and 3 All-Pros. Edge Rushers Danielle Hunter and Defensive Player of the Year runner-up Will Anderson Jr. formed the face of the “Swarm”, while Pro Bowl Defensive Backs Kamari Lassiter, First Team All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr., Calen Bullock, and Jalen Pitre held the back side up, all led by Captain Azeez Al-Shaiir. The Texans Coach Demeco Ryan’s also relinquished playcalling duties to Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke, which many credit to the Texans defensive success following the 0-3 start.
All these reasons are why following the loss to eventual AFC Champions New England, Texans fans were calling for CJ Stroud to be traded. In fact, I believe Stroud’s poor performance cost the Franchise their first Super Bowl Appearance. However, context must be provided for both sides.
The first excuse every Stroud Loyalist will bring up is th Offensive Line. Both sides of the fanbase agree, the pass protection has been horrible. It was middle of the pack in 2023, but in 2024 it was arguably the worst in the league. Many fans believe that, along with mid season issues for the Texans, caused Stroud’s confidence to slip, and to go from 5-1 to 10-7. In 2025, the offensive line improved, but not to the level that was needed. The run blocking definitely improved, with Ed Ingram standing out in that regard. However, in pass protection, Stroud was still running around in the backfield. He improved with throwing the ball away, but still took beatings.
The second common excuse is the offensive weapons, and their injures. He has never had consistent run support, with Joe Mixon’s Lon all star season being the only good rushing Eason. Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary were his headline backs in 2023, and Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks headlining 2025. His receivers have suffered similar fates. Star Nico Collins has never logged a full season through five years, Tank Dell is the same, except he missed the entirety of 2025. In 2024, the Texans traded for Stefon Diggs, only for him to play seven and a half games, and sign with the Patriots for the 2025 season. They traded John Metchie, let Noah Brown walk, and Xavier Hutchinson still hasn’t blossomed. Dalton Shultz, the Texan’s receptions leader, has been Stroud’s safety blanket, but not an explosive Tight End.
Through it all, Stroud’s future in Houston has been a hot topic issue this offseason. My opinion is that extending the fifth year is a great idea. Investing in a Quaterback long term, only for them not to work out, is a killer for any team with a competive roster. Not only do the Texans have a roster capable of winning the Super Bowl, their roster is set to dominate for three to five years, with Stroud at the helm.