Getty

C.J. Stroud continues to spark strong reactions to his offseason work.

Houston Texans fans have noticed that quarterback C.J. Stroud has a new look this offseason, sporting new body ink and cutting his locs. But Stroud’s work goes far beyond cosmetic changes, and the Texans QB has sparked strong reactions.

The timing is significant.

Stroud is under contract through 2027, thanks to his fifth-year option, but is still in search of a contract extension, like many of his teammates have rightfully received.

C.J. Stroud Gets Strong Words From Nico Collins

Texans wide receiver Nico Collins spoke candidly about Stroud during his (Collins’) annual charity event in Houston.

The two have been a duo since the Texans selected Stroud second overall in 2023, two years after taking Collins in Round 3. Collins has had three straight 1,000-yard seasons and back-to-back Pro Bowls with Stroud as his QB.

Collins expects an even sharper version of the former Offensive Rookie of the Year.

“Oh, different guy. Definitely,” Collins told KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson on May 9. “Different dude. Man on a mission, and he’s ready to hunt.”

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has also lauded Stroud’s dedication this offseason, saying the QB has ‘done a really good job all offseason” by simply “continuing to be locked in, continuing to prepare the right way.”

“He’s been dialed in to our strength sessions, our coaching sessions, and our meetings. He’s been dialed in, very into it, and that’s all you can ask for, all our guys at this time. Everybody’s looking to grow. And C.J.’s … doing a great job of growing and learning,” Ryans told Wilson on May 4, noting all the work can only help throughout the season.

“He’s doing extra things with his body as well, body maintenance. So, I’m proud of the work that he’s putting in right now.”

Ryans believes Stroud is “laying the groundwork right now to have a really good season.”

C.J. Stroud Getting Once-Dynamic Duo Back Together

Stroud’s postseason struggles capped a campaign that included early-season inconsistency from the offense under first-year coordinator Nick Caley. Collins is excited about how much better they can be in 2026, especially after their offseason moves.

That includes Stroud’s changes.

“I guess it’s the offseason, time away,” Collins said of the trimmed-down Stroud. “Everybody needs to get time away, but he looked good. Everybody looked great, man. I’m glad everybody’s back. Tank Dell looking good. I’m glad he’s back now, getting his groove back, man. Just all around, offense and defense, man, I’m glad everybody is back in the building and getting things down pat so we can go on this road.”

Dell, Stroud’s draft classmate in 2023, missed the entire 2025 season with the second significant leg injury of his career. He is expected to play in 2026.

If Dell is still explosive, he and Collins give Stroud and the Texans a potent playmaking combo.

C.J. Stroud Cited Among Texans’ Potential Limiting Factors

Stroud continues to be the biggest question mark for the Texans, with The Athletic’s Austin Mock name-dropping him among other general positional concerns.

Mock’s model projected that the Texans, as constructed, would beat an average NFL roster by 2.2 points per game. That was the eighth-best mark in the league and second-best in the AFC South behind the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Stroud was the only player mentioned by name in the explanation.

“It’s fitting that the team after the offense-powered Cowboys is the defense-driven Texans. If you blended these two teams, the resulting squad might be a juggernaut!” Mock wrote on May 8

“The Texans have elite edge rushers and cornerbacks, as well as tremendous upside on the interior defensive line. On offense, however, the outlook remains bleak beyond a solid group of wide receivers. Houston’s offensive tackles rank 26th, its interior offensive line ranks 21st, and that’s before we get into the conversation about quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has struggled since a fine rookie season in 2023.”

Stroud has downplayed the level of control he has over his future with the Texans. He is clearly heading into a pivotal season, even with the Texans picking up his fifth-year option and offering their support for him vocally at every opportunity.