C.J. Stroud, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, has not been the same quarterback the past two seasons and has been criticized for throwing five interceptions in the 2025 postseason, including four in a 28-16 loss to the Patriots. The Texans are likely to exercise the fifth-year option on Stroud's contract, which would guarantee him $25.9 million for 2026. Despite this, they appear to be in no hurry to extend their current contract. Stoss has not played well enough for the team, which had the No. 6 defense in 2024 and No. 1 in 2025.