Texans predicted to make C.J. Stroud decision that's unfortunately realistic

The Houston Texans have one of the NFL's best defenses. It's not a question of whether they're good or not; it's more a question of how good they can actually be.

But the offense is a different story. Despite some good individual players, like Nico Collins and David Montgomery, the questions surrounding the offensive line and C.J. Stroud are too big to ignore. This offense could really struggle in 2026.

CBS Sports' Douglas Clawson is predicting that Stroud, after some more struggles in 2026, will get benched for Davis Mills in what is, unfortunately, a realistic prediction.

Texans' prediction of benching C.J. Stroud is unfortunately realistic

"Prediction: C.J. Stroud will get benched," Clawson writes. "Houston will send Stroud a message at some point in 2026 by benching him in favor of Davis Mills as the team has a Super Bowl-caliber defense but an offense that continues to underachieve."

The Texans benching Stroud this upcoming season would be a massive admission from the franchise that they don't believe Stroud is their quarterback of the future.

They stood by him during last year's implosion against the New England Patriots in a very winnable AFC Divisional Round matchup.

But if he struggles mightily once again in 2026, then the Texans might finally have to admit defeat and move on from the 2023 first-round pick.

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Benching Stroud for Mills is likely something they considered during that infamous performance in the Divisional Round from Stroud. But they didn't do it.

This year could be different, and that's what Clawson is predicting will happen. Stroud will struggle again, and seeing their window closing, the Texans make the emergency switch to Mills in hopes he can play it safe and lead this team to the Super Bowl.

Would the Texans actually do this? It's not likely, as it'd almost certainly end Stroud's tenure in Houston. But it's not too unrealistic, as the Texans really only need a game manager to win the Super Bowl.

But if Stroud continues to struggle and continues to turn the ball over like he did last year, Houston might not have much of a choice other than to bench him and hope Mills is better.

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