With the way CJ Stroud is playing in 2026, the Houston Texans should prepare to go deep into their pockets for his next contract. The Texans reportedly offered him an extension in the offseason worth at least $50 million per year, which would put Stroud among the top quarterbacks in the league based on yearly salary. Instead of signing the contract, Stroud chose to bet on himself and try to earn a bigger deal, and it seems he made the right choice.
The Texans came out of the gates slow to begin the season, but Stroud has played well in every game. He didn't throw his first interception until Sunday in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars, wherein he threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns as Houston got the win. Stroud has nine touchdown passes on the season, and the only other quarterback with at least nine touchdowns and less than two interceptions is Jared Goff of the Lions.
CJ Stroud could be one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league soon
With 1,714 passing yards through six games, Stroud ranks second in the league and is already more than halfway to his total of 3,041 from last season. Additionally, the 25-year-old is on pace to set career highs in passing touchdowns and passer rating, and it will (literally) pay off when he meets with the Houston brass in the offseason to negotiate his new deal.
Stroud is still playing on his rookie contract, and the Texans exercised his fifth-year option to keep him through the 2027 season. His average annual salary is just over $9 million, per Spotrac, which is less than the likes of Malik Willis, Justin Fields and Kirk Cousins. Considering he turned down $50 million per year, Stroud's next contract will likely have to be in the range of $55-60 million annually.
Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott are the only quarterbacks making at least $60 million per year. Matthew Stafford, Baker Mayfield, Jordan Love, Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence and Josh Allen all sit at $55 million. As long as he keeps producing, Stroud is well on his way to joining the $55 million club.
Houston has won back-to-back games to get its record to 2-4, and the team is trending up. The offense has been rolling as of late, and offensive coordinator Nick Caley seems to have found his groove with Stroud. The addition of Marvin Harrison Jr. could prove to be a massive move as well. Head coach DeMeco Ryans took over the defensive playcalling duties, and if he can get the unit to play to their potential, there's no telling what kind of run the Texans could go on.
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