Getty

C.J. Stroud is still the subject of speculation amid uncertainty about his contract.

If the Houston Texans have any doubts about C.J. Stroud, they are doing everything but expressing it publicly. Stroud is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and there have been no mentions of a long-term deal after the Texans picked up his fifth-year option.

The QB has dialed in this offseason, laying the groundwork for what he hopes is a season of atonement for his postseason shortcomings.

It is all part of the data the Texans are taking into consideration.

C.J. Stroud Draws Attention With Tank Dell

As teams around the NFL enter Phase 2 of their offseason programs, highlighted by voluntary on-field workouts, Stroud and the Texans did the same.

On Wednesday, the Texans shared a video of Stroud and teammate Tank Dell. The duo were part of the same draft class and are good friends. Dell missed last season due to a knee injury, and his absence complicated matters for Stroud and the Texans’ offense.

“So back [rock on/horns hands emoji],” the Texans captioned the video shared on X on May 6.

Dell had 667 yards and 3 touchdowns on 51 receptions for the Texans during the 2024 season, and he has a 98-1,376-10 line for his career.

Stroud completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions this past season. He has a 10,876-62-25 line for his career, with a 28-18 record as the Texans’ starting quarterback.

He is 3-3 in the postseason, but is striving to break through the glass ceiling.

Texans Get Clear Message on C.J. Stroud

ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime offered some insight into Stroud’s stance on extension talks as two more of his teammates received extensions this offseason, including another 2023 draft classmate in defensive end Will Anderson Jr.

“As of right now, as in late April, the Texans and Stroud haven’t had much discussion regarding the contracts,” Bien-Aime said on “NFL Live” on May 5. “C.J. Stroud isn’t really too much worried about that, from people I’ve talked to close to him. He’s just worried about being locked in and getting ready to be better than how he ended last season.”

Bien-Aime also noted that Stroud has made “a few changes,” which have included cutting his hair and apparent new tattoos.

However, there are also more performance and health-related changes.

“One, notably, is his diet. He’s gotten rid of sugary food. He’s gotten rid of anything of that matter. Gotten rid of carbs. All he really drinks really is water and lean food. That’s how he’s been able to slim down and be slimmer,” Bien-Aime said.

“There’s been a lot of talk on social media. So, expect a slimmer Stroud. Expecting a better C.J. on the field.”

C.J. Stroud’s Value About to Change

The Texans are facing a harsh reality with Stroud that many other teams have had to navigate with their QBs in the past. NFL.com’s Nick Shook ranked Stroud as the fifth-best QB on a rookie contract.

Shook noted that “recency bias” has impacted perceptions of Stroud.

However, Shook also believes that it is “fair” to question whether or not Stroud is the “long-term answer in Houston,” after the QB “seemingly regressed” over the past two seasons.

“It would also seem preposterous to anyone who only knew the 2023-24 version of the QB, whose sophomore slump in ‘24 could be blamed on the offensive line that allowed him to be sacked 52 times,” Shook wrote on May 4, noting that Stroud’s issues in 2025 “can’t be excused as easily.”

“Houston will gladly give him time to work out the kinks after picking up his fifth-year option this spring, a decision that was surely made easier by the skyrocketing salaries at quarterback. It will be up to Stroud to earn the team’s confidence beyond 2027.”

Stroud and the Texans will navigate speculation until they finalize a decision, and likely after.

A new deal will alter perceptions of Stroud even more, and the scrutiny over his performance on the field will reflect that.