Texans QB C.J. Stroud Ready to Put ‘Best Foot Forward’

It can be argued that no NFL player is under more pressure to succeed in 2026 than Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. The 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year doesn’t need to be an MVP to help his team reach the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history. He doesn’t need to carry the ...

by Craig Ellenport

Aug 3, 2026

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud

Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

That’s exactly what happened last season, when the Texans rode a nine-game winning streak into the playoffs and easily handled the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card round before taking on the New England Patriots in a divisional playoff game. Houston’s world-class defense kept them in the game — the Texans trailed 21-16 going into the fourth quarter — but they could not overcome Stroud’s four interceptions, ultimately losing 28-16.

In addition to costing his team a trip to Denver for the AFC title game, Stroud’s performance vs. the Patriots also cost him a shot at more money. Instead of working with Stroud on a contract extension, the Texans chose to exercise his fifth-year option. The second overall pick in the 2023 draft will still get nearly $26 million in 2027, but how he plays over the next two seasons will determine what comes after that.

“C.J. Stroud got the $25.9 million fifth-year club option, but he didn’t get the big bag. At least not yet,” said one rival scout. “He raised concerns about his outlook when he had a playoff meltdown in New England. If Stroud plays well, he could cash in next year. If not, they likely keep kicking the can down the road.”

Those comments appear in the Athlon Sports 2026 NFL Preview magazine, which is available online and at newsstands nationwide.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud after the AFC Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. (Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images)

In 14 games last season, Stroud completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,041 yards, 19 touchdown passes and eight interceptions, with a passer rating of 92.9. His yardage and TD totals have decreased in each of his three seasons.

The reason Stroud doesn’t need to carry this team is because the defense remains elite. With Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter rushing the passer and Derek Stingley Jr. anchoring the secondary, Houston was first in total defense and second in scoring defense last season. While the Jacksonville Jaguars go into 2026 as the defending AFC South champs, the Texans are well positioned to win their third division crown in the last four years.

They just need Stroud to play well.

The team’s biggest effort to help Stroud this offseason may have been by addressing the ground game. The Texans signed veteran running back David Montgomery, who should add consistency and stability to a rushing offense that never overcame the injury to Joe Mixon in 2025. Montgomery averaged 835 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns in his three seasons with the Detroit Lions. In addition to his own production, Montgomery’s presence in the backfield should be enough to keep defenses honest when Stroud runs play-action.

As for Stroud’s weapons in the passing game, he’s got one of the league’s best in Nico Collins, who has averaged 73 receptions, 1,140 yards and seven touchdowns over the last three seasons.

Second-year pro Jayden Higgins, who had six TD catches as a rookie, gives Stroud a pair of big targets.

“Jayden Higgins gives Houston a twin-tower effect with him and Collins as 6-foot-4 wideouts,” said the scout, who also expects an expanded role for second-year receiver Jaylin Noel.

Texans wide receiver Tank Dell signals a first down during a 2023 game against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium. (Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)

The wild card could be Tank Dell, who hasn’t played since suffering a serious knee injury at the end of the 2024 season. Dell had seven TD receptions as a rookie in 2023. The 5-foot-10, 165-pounder is a fan favorite. He’s not ready to play, but Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans kept Dell off the Physically Unable to Perform list so that he could take part in team walk-throughs at training camp.

The pieces are in place, which only puts more pressure on Stroud to hold up his end of the bargain. For his part, the fourth-year QB sounds like he’s up for the challenge.

“I’m still growing,” Stroud said. “This ain’t the end of C.J. Stroud. Just going to take my best foot forward.”