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C.J. Stroud might be under the most pressure of his career entering his fourth NFL season, but the Houston Texans have shown strong support for their starting quarterback.
While speaking to reporters on April 13, Texans general manager Nick Caserio doubled down on the team’s decision to exercise the 2027 fifth-year option for Stroud.
“He’s our quarterback. We’ve said that from the beginning. I think that was really more of a procedural thing,” Caserio said. “It was kind of a no-brainer. Glad he’s here. It’s more part of the process.”
The Texans picked up the fifth-year option for both their 2023 first round picks – defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and Stroud – last week.
Houston’s decision to exercise Anderson’s fifth-year option was a no-brainer. The defensive end won the 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, he’s a two-time Pro Bowler and was named a 2025 first-team All-Pro.
The team’s choice to pick up Stroud’s fifth-year option was expected, but it wasn’t as much of a slam dunk.
Stroud’s production has slipped after a record-setting rookie campaign during which he recorded the third most passing yards by a rookie in NFL history and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year. His career single-season highs in passing yards (4,108), touchdowns (23) and passer rating (100.8) all occurred during his 2023 rookie campaign.
Stroud finished 19th in passing yards (3,041) and tied for 21st in touchdown passes (19) last regular season. He then struggled mightily in the playoffs, tossing five interceptions in two games, including four picks in Houston’s divisional round loss to the New England Patriots.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said "C.J.'s our guy" following Stroud’s nightmare postseason performance and has continued to reaffirm his confidence in the quarterback this offseason.
Even though the Texans have Anderson and Stroud secured through the 2027 season, both players are eligible for long-term extensions. Anderson’s extension presumably will happen first because he’s had the better and more consistent start to his NFL career. The Texans could wait to see how Stroud performs this season before they make a determination about a multi-year deal.
Stroud’s reportedly worked hard this offseason in preparation for what figures to be a very important year for the QB.
“We’re excited about his offseason. I think he’s had a good approach and a good attitude here. He’s put a lot of work in from March and April,” Caserio said. “Excited to have him around here this spring and excited to keep moving forward.”
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texans GM backs C.J. Stroud entering important season for quarterback
