How Unique is C.J. Stroud's Contract Situation Among First Round Quarterbacks
Stroud doesn't have a deal but is that the norm?
The Houston Texans and C.J. Stroud seem content to play out the 2026 season before either side approaches the subject of his future.
It is what they should do.
Stroud was amazing as a rookie. The 2023 season was one of the best seasons ever by a first-year quarterback. With high expectations in 2024, Stroud failed to live up to the hype. It wasn’t all his own doing, but what he was in control of wasn’t good enough. Last year was a little better for Stroud, but the ending soured any positives. It wasn’t good enough to make him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks.
He enters 2026 in a make-or-break situation with the Texans. The team’s remaining commitment to him after this season is the fifth-year option.
No massive extension is coming Stroud’s way soon. That’s been the norm for a few seasons at quarterback, though. Stroud is not alone. His fellow quarterbacks from his draft class aren’t cashing in either. Bryce Young enters a make-or-break season just like Stroud. Anthony Richardson is no longer the starter for the Indianapolis Colts. He requested a trade this offseason.
Between the 2016 and 2023 NFL Drafts, 27 quarterbacks were selected in the first round. Of those 27 quarterbacks, 14 didn’t receive a contract extension, including Stroud, Young, and Richardson. The last quarterback selected in the first round to be extended by his team was Trevor Lawrence, who was drafted first in 2021. Eight straight quarterbacks have failed to be extended after being first-round picks.
