C.J, Stroud's Texans future still murky after key franchise decision

The Houston Texans' decision on what to do with quarterback C.J. Stroud was always going to be fascinating.

After the horror playoff performance, some wanted the franchise to move on from the young QB, but we knew that was never going to happen. What we didn't know was whether the Texans would pick up Stroud's fifth-year option.

Well, according to ESPN, the franchise has and now the Texans have two years to fully evaluate Stroud before making a huge decision on their quarterback.

Now, the clock has begun on Stroud's time in Houston.

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Stroud has two years to prove it

We know that Houston's defense is one of the best in football, so it just needs the offense to be competent, and it will win a lot of games.

With Stroud leading it, the Texans should be a playoff team and possibly more in 2026, but that hinges on C.J. playing far better than he has in the previous two years.

But now Stroud is on the clock. He has two years to prove to the Texans that he can be their guy long-term. He will be 26 years old after his fifth-year option, so, providing Houston doesn't extend him prior to that, there are two seasons that C.J. has to play well in.

His career started with a bang, but it's been so-so ever since.

Now, Houston has bought itself time to evaluate Stroud before making a big financial investment at the most important position in football.

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