Texans' CJ Stroud has everything to gain — and $100M to lose in 2026

CJ Stroud enters the 2026 season with a chip on his shoulder. He turned the ball over several times last postseason, raising question if the Houston Texans should make him the NFL's highest-paid quarterback. Stroud is still under contract through 2027, though, and his fifth year option gives Houston additional time to evaluate him. ESPN's Bill Barnwell named Stroud among the NFL players under the most pressure entering the 2026 season. While he didn't question Stroud's immediate future in Houston, the 2026 season could be a big consideration point in terms of contract expectations. Barnwell stated that the difference between Stroud discovering his rookie-year form and remaining a solid but unspectacular playoffs starter could potentially be worth $100 million or more in guaranteed money."I