The future of C.J. Stroud with the Houston Texans has become a focal point of discussion, particularly following recent comments from ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith. As the Texans work towards a potential contract extension for their fourth-year quarterback, Smith has weighed in, suggesting that Stroud should be proactive in pursuing a deal, provided the terms are reasonable.
During an episode of "First Take" on September 2, Smith was asked to assess which party should be more motivated to finalize a contract. He pointed to Stroud’s recent postseason struggles as a reason for caution, despite acknowledging that the Texans faced significant injury challenges last season. Stroud's performance in the playoffs, especially in a pivotal game against the New England Patriots, raised questions about his readiness to command a top-tier salary.
“I haven’t liked what I have seen from him. And I’m a fan of his as a person, and I’m a fan of his talent. But I think the way that we saw him struggle last year, yeah, you could bet on yourself, particularly with how elite that defense is,” Smith stated. He noted that the Texans' offense appeared to falter significantly when key players like Nico Collins and Tank Dell were sidelined, which contributed to Stroud's difficulties on the field.
Smith further emphasized that Stroud should not assume he is entitled to a lucrative contract in the range of $55 to $60 million per year. He cautioned that while betting on oneself can be a viable strategy, the quarterback must recognize the risks involved, particularly given the Texans' current roster dynamics.
“When you consider how elite this defense is expected to be, I get betting on yourself to some degree. But there’s so many variables … the slightest thing that goes wrong with Houston derails him. At least that appears to have been the case over the last two years. I don’t trust it,” Smith remarked.
As discussions between Stroud and the Texans continue, General Manager Nick Caserio has indicated that while contract negotiations might pause with the start of the regular season, the team has a history of completing deals at various times throughout the year. Smith believes that Stroud should consider the potential outcomes of his performance this season and how it could impact his contract value.
“I want him to get some money. But in the same breath, there was a struggle. If there is any trepidation, and my position about it is that he has to have the attitude, ‘There’s nowhere to go but up,’” Smith advised. He suggested that if Stroud could secure a deal in the vicinity of $45 million, it would be a more prudent choice than holding out for a higher figure that may not be justified based on his recent performances.
Stroud's current contract situation is particularly significant as an average salary around $55 million would place him among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. With reports indicating that the Texans have made an offer in that range, it remains to be seen whether Stroud will accept such terms or continue to seek a more lucrative deal.
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