Texans Have Clear Plan for C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson Extensions

While the Houston Texans have been diligent throughout this offseason as it pertains to retaining and extending some of the key pieces around their roster, two major names that have yet to see those new contracts come to fruition are their pair of 2023 top-three picks, C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson.

Both of the Texans' cornerstones roll into this offseason officially eligible to negotiate their respective rookie-scale extensions, and thus remain a focal point of their future endeavors for years to come. There have been no signs that Houston has had any intention to pivot off either, but there's also yet to be much traction on their pending contract negotiations either.

However, it seems like the Texans have a plan in place as it relates to both Stroud and Anderson's contract situations moving forward.

According to KPRC2's Aaron Wilson, the Texans are expected to hold off on a long-term extension of Stroud and instead exercise his fifth-year option, while a major extension soon coming to form remains the expectation for Anderson.

"The Texans are expected to exercise the fifth-year club option at a cost of $25.9 million guaranteed in 2027 for Stroud rather than do a long-term extension at this time, per league sources. They are expected to strike a blockbuster contract extension for All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. as soon as this offseason with discussions already underway with no deal imminent, per sources."

Rather than hashing out a new hefty extension for both their cornerstones from the 2023 draft this offseason, the Texans are deciding to take a differing approach; inking Anderson to a new deal first, while Stroud will then wait his turn come next offseason to put pen to paper on an extension after a pivotal season.

What Will Stroud, Anderson Contract Situations Mean for Texans?

If all holds to form and this is indeed how the Texans' contract landscape plays out for both names this offseason, it's a logical route for Houston and their front office to pursue.

Anderson cemented in 2025 that he was one of the best edge rushers in the league, hands-down, after posting an All-Pro First-Team campaign as a pivotal piece on Houston's elite front, and proved that he was more than worthy of a payday, whenever that opportunity had developed.

That payday could also end up as one that breaks some NFL records in the process, as Anderson has a real chance to become the NFL's highest-paid edge rusher ahead of Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett, who sits at $40 million AAV on his respective deal.

Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) leaves the field after defeating the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

As for Stroud, it stands to reason that it is most beneficial for both him and the Texans to table their extension conversations for another season, and give the signal-caller a chance to bounce back in year four from a previous rocky campaign.

By coming to an extension agreement now, Stroud could be left a bit off from where he'd like to end up numbers-wise following up from a bleak performance like he had against the New England Patriots in the postseason, and would likely love to get a chance to prove himself once again before his coming contract numbers live and die by that performance.

Therefore, barring any unforeseen changes, expect to see the Texans and Anderson come to terms on a big-time extension in the offseason weeks ahead that secures him as a long-term piece of the puzzle in Houston, while Stroud will be back in the fold once more to audition for that lucrative rookie extension; one that almost felt like it'd be a shoo-in after a dominant rookie campaign in 2023.

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