Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is set to enter the season without a contract extension after general manager Nick Caserio said negotiations would not continue during the regular season. Stroud’s agent had sought progress toward a new deal, but any agreement would now have to be reached before the season or addressed in the offseason. The 2023 No. 2 overall pick remains under contract through 2027 after Houston exercised its team option in April, with $25.9 million guaranteed for next season. Stroud recorded 3,041 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2025, while missing three games with a concussion. Questions about his playoff performances, including four first-half interceptions against the Patriots and seven turnovers across two playoff games, have added context to the negotiations. Head coach DeMeco Ryans has nevertheless expressed loyalty to Stroud. Other quarterbacks, including Lamar Jackson, Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, are also expected to enter contract talks in the coming months.