The Houston Texans and quarterback C.J. Stroud are putting long-term contract negotiations on hold until the 2026 season is complete, according to a report from sports.yahoo.com. The two sides had been pursuing an extension before the regular season began.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the decision on X, referencing Schefter and RapSheet. Stroud’s current contract runs through the 2027 season after Houston exercised his fifth-year option. The postponement does not determine what happens after that season, and the report said both sides still want to reach a long-term agreement.
Possible contract terms reported this offseason have included an offer between $50 million and $55 million. Separate discussion has involved a figure near $70 million, while the precise amounts exchanged and the distance between the sides remain unknown. Stroud received significant praise during the offseason for his preparation, and the report said he is drawing motivation from his performance in challenging 2025 conditions.
The quarterback and Texans will now focus on the 2026 season. HEAVY originally published the story.