Stroud earns market-setting contract and 2 other Texans bold predictions for 2026 NFL season

Houston Texans begin the 2026 season with uncertainty around C.J. Stroud’s contract and the receiver group after an offseason shakeup. General manager Nick Caserio said negotiations for a Stroud extension would not continue once the regular season begins Sept. 13 against Buffalo. Despite that deadline, the report predicts Stroud will secure a market-setting deal before Week 1. Stroud is entering his fourth year of his rookie contract with the fifth-year option already exercised for 2027, guaranteeing $25.9 million next season. The piece also expects a rebound season: Stroud’s 2025 totals fell to 3,041 passing yards and 19 touchdowns over 14 games, aided by injuries, including a season-ending ACL tear for Jayden Higgins, before Houston traded for Kayshon Boutte. Lastly, it forecasts the defense will carry Houston to contend for the AFC South title.