A new report suggests quarterback CJ Stroud has made a rather shocking contract demand of the Houston Texans.
Stroud and the Texans are said to be at an impasse on a new contract, which Stroud is eligible for for the first time. Jeremy Branham of ESPN 97.5 in Houston claimed Thursday that the Texans are offering Stroud something in the range of $50 million. Stroud, however, has asked for $70 million.
Texans want him at $50-55m, Stroud wants $70m. https://t.co/0rekIv2aOJ
— Jeremy Branham (@JeremyBranham) August 21, 2026
A $70 million deal would make Stroud the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL in terms of average annual value. That makes it almost hard to believe Stroud is really asking for this, as something in the range of what Houston is offering is much more realistic.
Stroud is coming off an unspectacular campaign, passing for 3,041 yards and 19 touchdowns with 8 interceptions in 14 games during the 2025 season. He also did himself no favors in the playoffs by throwing four interceptions in a Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots.
Some are not even certain that the Texans should commit to Stroud long-term at all. If the price tag really is in the $70 million range, even Stroud’s believers would probably agree with that.
