C.J. Stroud is seeking a $60 million annual salary, while the Houston Texans have proposed $50 million, according to a report from fansided.com. Houston holds the quarterback’s rights through 2027 because it exercised his fifth-year option.
The Texans have said negotiations would move to next offseason if no deal is completed before Week 1. The team’s opener is set for 1 p.m. Sunday, though a late agreement remains possible, with Dak Prescott’s deal with the Dallas Cowboys shortly before the 2024 season opener cited as an example.
Stroud threw for 4,105 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions as a rookie. In each of the next two seasons, he passed for more than 3,000 yards but stayed below 20 touchdown passes and had more interceptions than during his first year. The report says his 2026 performance could help determine whether Houston considers a $60 million annual contract justified.
The negotiations are also compared with Baker Mayfield’s talks with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mayfield was in the final year of his contract when he agreed to a three-year deal averaging $55 million annually. Stroud has one season left on his current agreement and could be subject to a franchise tag afterward.
The report also points to Houston’s postseason defeats against Pittsburgh and New England last season, Tank Dell’s injury history, offensive-line problems and the running game as factors involving the offense.