Largely out of nowhere, it was reported on Thursday that the Houston Texans “have had discussions with” quarterback C.J. Stroud a couple of potential contract extension.
It was beforehand thought that the Texans would not do something relating to Stroud’s deal after they picked up the fifth-year possibility for 2027 connected to his contract this spring. Throughout Friday’s version of the ESPN “Get Up” program, former NFL common supervisor and present analyst Mike Tannenbaum recommended that each the Texans and Stroud ought to be simply advantageous with ready earlier than they presumably put pen to paper on a deal.
Ought to C.J. Stroud wager on himself by way of the 2026 season?
“If I am C.J. Stroud,” Tannenbaum explained, “if that quantity would not start with a six, that means $60M or extra, why ought to I take lower than all these different younger, rising quarterbacks? …His physique of labor in all probability would not justify it but. If I am him, I am in all probability going to wager on myself this 12 months.”
Tannenbaum was referencing how groups across the league would likely pass on giving Stroud a deal that would come with a mean wage of $60M per season after the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the 12 months regressed over the previous two seasons. Most lately, Stroud threw 5 interceptions and misplaced two of 5 fumbles over his final two playoff appearances this previous January.
It is unclear what Stroud’s camp has requested for throughout negotiations, and it is also unknown how a lot the Texans can be keen to pay him. Presumably, Houston needs so as to add years to Stroud’s deal now as a result of he would turn into solely costlier if he stays wholesome and produces a stellar 2026 season.
Then once more, the Texans additionally know they might finally retain Stroud’s rights through the franchise tag if obligatory.
Why the Texans could need to assume twice about paying C.J. Stroud
In the meantime, Conor Orr of Sports activities Illustrated is amongst those that have identified that the Texans function a championship-caliber protection. Tannenbaum famous that Houston could not need to spend cash on an marketed top-tier quarterback to win a Tremendous Bowl sooner or later over the subsequent few years.
“It’s a really distinctive scenario as a result of not often do you see each side doubtlessly benefiting (from not signing an extension),” Tannenbaum mentioned. “So when you’re in Houston…we’re speaking a couple of traditionally nice protection. They’ve loaded up in any respect three ranges, unquestionably a top-two or (top-three) protection. And also you’re saying, ‘OK, can we put (backup) Davis Mills in there? Can we put a B, B-minus quarterback in there and pay them $20M, $30M, $35M a 12 months and win and have a consultant likelihood to go to the Tremendous Bowl?”
That is a query Texans common supervisor Nick Caserio and crew possession should reply earlier than the membership opens the common season with a house recreation towards the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 13.
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