Houston Texans Roster Not Built Around C.J. Stroud, Exec Claims

Houston Texans assistant general manager Chris Blanco made it clear that the franchise isn't building its championship aspirations around quarterback C.J. Stroud alone. Blanco stated that the Texans instead emphasize a comprehensive roster construction philosophy focused on "the best blend of 53, 90 people on our roster," rather than "one specific position" or "one player"—even when the player is a franchise QB playing on a rookie deal.

Speaking on Tuesday's episode of Ari Meirov's NFL Spotlight podcast, Blanco pushed back on Meirov's question regarding Houston's advantageous position of "roster building [while] having a quarterback who's really good but also on his rookie contract." When Meirov asked about the Texans' "strategy" and "philosophy as a front office," Blanco was quick to shut down the premise of the question.

Blanco replied that the "best thing about [general manager] Nick [Caserio] and [head coach] DeMeco [Ryans], when they build a roster, it's never solely focused on one player, be it a quarterback" or otherwise. Blanco continued, stating Houston's focus was "bringing in highly competitive football players who are physically, mentally tough" with "a level of aggression in the way they play," while also being positive influences in the locker room.

Blanco's quick retort was notable, as such an approach would represent a departure from the general understanding that NFL teams should focus on maximizing the value of a quarterback's rookie contract by adding talent to otherwise deficient areas of the roster.

Or perhaps the newly promoted assistant general manager—admittedly fresh off a return flight from an overseas family vacation—was simply ensuring his public statements aligned with the front office's strict roster philosophy.

Incase you forgot how much DeMeco & Nick value SWARM:

“Identify the right people with the right traits & characteristics to come in this building & make a commitment to our football team… It’s about putting the team first.. it’s not about talent, talent is a part of it but it’s… pic.twitter.com/0u1aHwKm76
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) April 16, 2025

C.J. Stroud's value to the Houston Texans franchise is undeniable. His arrival in 2023, coinciding with the hiring of Ryans, prompted an immediate reversal of the team's prior performance. Houston has secured playoff berths in each of the last two seasons, ending a three-year period where the team cycled through four head coaches and compiled just 11 total victories.

With a record-breaking Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign and consecutive playoff runs, Stroud quickly established the Texans as perennial contenders.

More Houston Texans Coverage