Picked Up Options a Formality, But Set Future for Stroud and Anderson
An initial big board for the 28th Overall Pick
The Houston Texans have picked up the fifth-year options for quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. Both players are now under contract through the 2027 season.
Stroud is due to make nearly $26 million in 2027. Anderson will make just over $21.5 million.
The number for Anderson is less important. He will likely become the highest-paid defensive player in football by average annual value when he signs an extension this offseason.
Stroud’s number is dubious depending on his 2026 season. A successful season for Stroud means he would be one of the NFL’s best bargains. Starting caliber quarterback play at that number would be a steal for the Texans.
Success from Stroud would likely come with a request, perhaps a demand, for a new deal. He’d be well within his rights, and the money would arrive quickly after the option year. The Texans would be happy to pay it if Stroud turned into a consistently good quarterback.
Failure in 2026 presents a troubling spot for the Texans.
If Stroud plays poorly or doesn’t improve enough, Houston will need to move on. They’d be a prime candidate for a veteran who hits free agency, something similar to Sam Darnold. The Texans could dip into what should be a loaded 2027 draft class, but that might not be the best way to maximize the defense’s window. Recreating a deal similar to when Matt Stafford was traded for Jared Goff would be intriguing. Stroud, of course, would be Goff, but finding a worthwhile quarterback to play Stafford’s role is hard to do right now.
The $26 million is fully guaranteed, and a quarterback who couldn’t get it done would be an anchor at that number. An anchor the Texans would need to unload.
There’s plenty of optimism for Stroud. He wasn’t bad all of last season, though underwhelming is an apt description. Head coach DeMeco Ryans proclaimed this offseason to be the first one for Stroud to maximize his progress. The quarterback has already spent time with a new and elite quarterback coach connected to Stafford and other standout quarterbacks.
The team should be better around him. The Texans invested in the offensive line, and Ryans said to expect more players to be added there. The rushing attack feels much more solidified than the runners the team finished the season with in 2025. The offensive system is unchanged. A new quarterback coach should help progress deeper into the system.
Anderson’s accountant was already making plans for his big deal. Now Stroud can plan for his big payday in 2027. It just remains to be seen if the Texans are the ones paying it.
