Why Texans officially have a C.J. Stroud problem

The playoffs are often where players' reputations are enhanced, or they are ruined, and for Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, his performance in this year's playoffs could have disastrous effects.

After throwing four first-half interceptions against the New England Patriots, C.J. wilted under the pressure, as it was another season where he failed to live up to his rookie season.

Now comes the harsh part. Do the Texans pay Stroud franchise quarterback money?

The fact that we are even asking that tells you all you need to know.

And for PFF's John Kosko, this isn't a great spot for C.J. or the Texans to be in.

"A year ago, he went throw-for-throw with Patrick Mahomes in the divisional round, as both quarterbacks produced three big-time throws," Kosko writes. "What followed in the postseason this year needs little explanation. Stroud’s 32.3 overall grade underscored how much he struggled to take the next step.

"Performances like that can derail a promising trajectory, making 2026 a critical prove-it season for Stroud to show this was merely a blip rather than a turning point."

More: Jarrett Stidham’s opening drive against New England only made things worse for C.J. Stroud

Should Texans pay Stroud?

Should they, and will they, are two different questions.

Should they? Possibly. Will they? Likely yes.

And the reason is that Stroud is entering the final year of his rookie deal, before the Texans can pick up his option, so there will be two seasons that the franchise will be able to evaluate C.J. and decide if they want to offer him top QB money.

In an ideal world, entering Year 4, you already know if you want to extend your QB, but the fact that we have so many questions aimed at Stroud isn't ideal.

Year 4 is going to be a defining one for C.J.

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