JANUARY 19: When speaking to the media on Monday, Anderson stated he hopes to spend his entire career in Houston. Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 confirms talks on a mega-extension are expected, and it would come as no surprise if one were to be finalized during the spring.
JANUARY 12: For now, the Texans’ attention is focused on their upcoming wild-card game and any further playoff contests which follow. Once the season is over, a number of notable contract decisions will need to be made. 
This offseason will mark the first point at which 2023 draftees can sign extensions. That means quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson could land new contracts relatively soon. At a minimum, a choice on the fifth-year option for both players will need to be made by the spring. Neither case should prove to be particularly difficult on that front.
To no surprise, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirms the Texans will exercise Stroud’s option (video link). That comes as no surprise given the 24-year-old’s success early in his career. Houston advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs in each of Stroud’s first two seasons, and a win tonight will extend that streak to three years. Exercising the option will set Stroud up for $26.53MM in 2027.
A long-term pact will of course cost much more than that. Per Rapoport, the Texans will weigh the possibility of working out a second contract this offseason against waiting until after the 2026 campaign is over. The market currently contains 11 passers attached to an average annual value of $51MM or more. Stroud can be expected to join that group whenever his next Texans contract is in place. The status of negotiations will make for a central Texans offseason storyline.
Stroud was selected second overall in the 2023 draft. Houston traded up to the No. 3 spot to add Anderson. Expectations were high in his case as a result, but the former Defensive Rookie of the Year has developed into a major factor in his team’s success. Anderson reached double-digit sacks for the first time in 2024, and he set a new career high in that department this season with 12. That production helped land him a first-team All-Pro nod along with the second Pro Bowl invitation of his career.
Houston will also look into an Anderson extension this offseason, Rapoport adds. In November, it was reported the Texans were expected to explore an early agreement on this front. Picking up Anderson’s fifth-year option will tie him to a 2027 salary of $15.28MM. An extension could move the Alabama product near the top of the pass rush market, one which is currently paced by Micah Parsons at $46.5MM per year.
Working out an agreement with either Stroud or Anderson will of course significantly alter the Texans’ cap outlook for years to come. A strong core is in place, but maintaining it will become more challenging as their respective costs increase. Massive new deals being finalized in either case will come as no surprise, but the timing on both fronts will be interesting to monitor.
I’d say that the Texans won the Watson trade!
EVERYONE won that trade BUT the Browns. LOL
Anderson first, then Stroud, who has to shake off that terrible game.
What a great defense this kid had. They just need a bus driver not a super star at this position. David Mills maybe?! Let his contract play out similar to Dak Prescott and his situation years ago. Rn it hasn’t looked good.
Just fumbled the ball 5 times and threw 5 picks in 2 playoff games
Ironic thing is that Bryce Young has been progressing last two years, while Stroud has been regressing the last two years.
Strouds had 2 OCs and dealt with injuries on offense
Bryce Young has been in Canales system for 2 years
Last 2 years stroud has
63% 3700 yards 20 TDs 12 ints
64.5% 3000 yards 19 TDs 8 ints in 14 games
Young has
60% 2400 yards 15 TDS and 9 Ints
63% 3000 yards 23 TDs 11 Ints
They’re practically playing the same ball
Playoffs aside, what has he done to warrant an extension? I’d exercise his 5th year option because he’s not a total disaster (usually) and it’s worth exploring if he can improve at that price.
The Texans have to commit to better OL play, though, because Stroud isn’t super mobile–otherwise, two more years of him under center will be pointless. Stroud has to show significant improvement over the next two seasons, as well, especially given that he’s regressed each of the past two.
I could absolutely see him getting a massive extension in two years and the franchise almost immediately regretting it like the Dolphins and Cardinals have recently.
People seem to forget his 2nd year he lost Diggs Dell and Collins missed time. Not many QBs can overcome missing your top 3 options
This year he actually played well in 14 games despite not having Mixon or Dell all season and Kirk missing significant time as well
What he needs is guys to stay healthy.
And a horrific OLine as well
Off season agenda
Hire McDaniels as OC
Resign Chubb to go along with Marks and Mixon
Trade for Aj Brown – Texans 2nd and Jaylin Noel
Collins Dell Brown Kirk Higgins
Sign Tyler Linderbaum if you can to be a long term answer at C
Hire the best damn oline coach you can
Potentially hire Phillip Rivers as QB coach
AJ brown is a headache that wants New England. Linderbaun would be a great pick-up, but get a better rb. Rico would fit good with Marks
He’s going to continue to waste that very good defense.
……hold off on that extension PLEASE