C.J.Stroud

News: 8 hours agoStroud and the Texans will wait until after the 2026 season to work out a long-term contract extension, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Spin: The two sides attempted to reach an agreement prior to Sunday's regular-season opener against the Bills. However, it looks like talks between Stroud and the Texans have stalled, and a long-term deal will be revisited following the conclusion of the upcoming season. Entering his fourth year in the NFL, Stroud is looking to reclaim the same form he had in his rookie campaign in 2023, when he was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year after completing 63.9 percent of his passes for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions across 15 regular-season games while adding 39 carries for 167 yards and three scores.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Stroud enters his fourth NFL season yet to emerge as a quality fantasy option and having seen his passing production dip during each season of his career. Stroud impressed as a rookie with 24 passing TDs, three rushing TDs and a ninth-place finish in fantasy points per game (18.4). During the past two seasons, he failed to clear 20 passing touchdowns, has a total of one rushing TD and averaged 13.8 points, ranking outside the top 20 both years. Stroud's efficiency has been solid at best and thanks in part to Houston's elite defense, he hasn't needed to throw the ball (or scramble) very often. There's little reason to expect much change in 2026, so even with a good, deep group of pass catchers, the 24-year-old is best viewed as a low-upside, fringe QB2 in 12-team leagues.