The Houston Texans and quarterback C.J. Stroud have agreed to wait until after the season to work out a long-term extension, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Stroud and Houston made a run at a new deal before their Week 1 contest against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, but they ultimately couldn't get anything done, Schefter and Rapoport add.
Houston picked up Stroud's fifth-year option in April, locking him under contract through the 2027 campaign. The option guarantees Stroud $25.9 million next season if the two sides don't agree on a new deal, according to Spotrac.
Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes is currently the league's highest-paid quarterback, netting $64 million per season. Lamar Jackson, who has two years remaining on his deal, has been in active negotiations with the Baltimore Ravens and would likely surpass Mahomes with a new contract. The 2024 draft class, which includes Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and Bo Nix, is eligible for extensions next offseason.
Stroud went 9-5 last season in 14 starts, completing 64.5% of his passes for 3,041 yards with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Among 34 qualifying signal-callers, Stroud ranked 14th in EPA/dropback and 17th in passer rating, according to TruMedia.
However, things went south for Stroud in the playoffs, recording seven turnovers and a 51.8 passer rating in two games. Against the New England Patriots in the Texans' divisional-round loss, Stroud threw four interceptions and completed just 42.6% of his throws.
Stroud's best season came as a rookie, when he threw for over 4,000 yards and 23 touchdowns in 15 starts. He won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and earned his only Pro Bowl nomination.
Houston starts its season at home against Buffalo, with kickoff slated for 1 p.m. ET.
