SouthernWorldwide.com – Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has expressed his focus on the upcoming season amidst ongoing contract extension discussions.
Stroud, who has completed three seasons with the Texans, is eligible for an extension. He was named the 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
“I let my agent handle that [extension talks]. If it’s time to do it, then it is. My job is football. That’s what I’m focused on, just getting better. I think I’ve held my bargain up,” Stroud stated at the Texans’ OTAs on Thursday, as reported by ESPN. “Whatever happens, happens.”
In his standout 2023 rookie season, Stroud earned a Pro Bowl selection. He recorded 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. His passer rating was an impressive 100.8, ranking sixth in the NFL.
He completed 63.9% of his passes that season. The Texans finished with a 10-7 record, winning the AFC South and making the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
The team defeated the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round but was eliminated by the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round.
Stroud and the Texans continued their success in the 2024 season, achieving another 10-win record and a division title. They secured a wild-card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
However, for the second consecutive year, their playoff run ended in the divisional round, this time against the Kansas City Chiefs. Stroud’s regular season stats included 3,727 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
His passer rating in 2024 was 87.0, placing him 25th among quarterbacks. He completed 63.2% of his passes, ranking 27th.
In the most recent season, Stroud threw for 3,041 yards and 19 touchdowns with eight interceptions over 14 games. His passer rating was 92.9, ranking 17th.
He completed 64.5% of his passes, good for 20th. The Texans once again won the AFC South with a 12-5 record and reached the divisional round for a third straight year.
Unfortunately, the Texans were eliminated in the divisional round for the third consecutive season. Stroud faced criticism for throwing four interceptions in their season-ending loss to the New England Patriots.
“I am a motivated person regardless. Of course, [the playoff struggle] helps,” Stroud commented on the team’s playoff exits. “I have learned to let failures and successes go quickly.”
Regardless of individual performance metrics, Stroud is projected to secure a lucrative contract. He is expected to become one of the top-paid quarterbacks in the league, potentially within the top 10 or even top five.
This projection is based on the contracts signed by other quarterbacks considered to be in a similar tier. Trevor Lawrence and Jordan Love are tied with Josh Allen and Joe Burrow for the second-highest average annual value at $55 million.
Brock Purdy and Jared Goff are tied for sixth among quarterbacks with an average annual value of $53 million in their respective deals.
The Texans originally selected Stroud with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State.
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In April, the Texans exercised his fifth-year option for the 2027 season, ensuring his contract status for the foreseeable future.
