Texans GM Nick Caserio goes scorched earth on C.J. Stroud trade talks

The future of Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has been a little cloudy since the horror playoff loss to the New England Patriots.

Stroud's four first-half interceptions were horrific to watch as he disintegrated against the Patriots, and his performance has led some to think the Texans could move on from him.

Still on his rookie deal, the Texans have contractual control for the next couple of seasons. Stroud is a cheap option, but that hasn't stopped the trade scenarios from flying around this offseason.

But is there anything to it?

Well, Texans general manager Nick Caserio just firmly ended any speculation... for this season at least.

"It's moronic. We're not trading the guy," Caserio via NFL.com. "He's our quarterback. He's gonna be playing quarterback for the Houston Texans in 2026. Anything beyond that, that's your world. You guys can speculate on that. But we're not trading C.J. Stroud."

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Stroud faces defining 2026 season

It is one thing for Caserio to stand by his quarterback now, because what other option does he have, but it's another for Stroud to continue his downward trajectory in 2026.

If another season comes and goes with Stroud not looking anything like the player we saw in his rookie season, then the Texans might have to have an uncomfortable conversation about C.J.'s future.

With the 2026 season plus the fifth-year option to see what they have in Stroud, the fact that we are even talking about it after Year 3 isn't ideal.

Now, all eyes will be on Stroud in 2026, because if he doesn't play well, Caserio can look forward to far more trade proposals coming his way next offseason.

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