C.J. Stroud's contract extension with Texans gets lukewarm update from DeMeco Ryans

C.J. Stroud is eligible for a contract extension from the Houston Texans this offseason.

Usually, a young starting quarterback like Stroud can expect a big payday.

But after a couple disappointing seasons followed Stroud's stellar rookie campaign, maybe the Texans will pump the brakes a bit.

Their head coach, DeMeco Ryans, was asked about Stroud's contract on Monday, a day after the season-ending loss to the Patriots.

"I'm not getting into that right now," Ryans told reporters.

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It is fair for Ryans to deflect the question until a later point in time.

By the same token, if Stroud had performed better this season, and particularly in the two playoff games, Ryans might have a more confident answer.

The Texans don't have to extend Stroud right now. The fourth year of his rookie contract will be the 2026 season, and his fifth-year option will cover 2027. There's still time.

The best QBs in Stroud's situation usually get an extension pretty quickly. But lately, Stroud hasn't necessarily qualified as one of the best.

It's a confusing spot for Houston to be in, because there's no guarantee there's someone better out there for them than Stroud, who still has plenty of high-quality moments.

But is he worth more than $200 million on an extension, which is surely what he'd command? That's harder to say.

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Contracts like that do backfire sometimes, most notably of late with Tua Tagovailoa in Miami.

Stroud probably wouldn't be happy if these negotiations dragged on, but the long-term health of the Texans might be better off if they do, just in case.

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