The Houston Texans may have one of the league’s most dangerous defenses, but the offense is still carrying the kind of uncertainty that can swallow a season whole. That’s the backdrop for a prediction that feels harsh, but not out of bounds: C.J. Stroud could be benched in 2026.
CBS Sports’ Douglas Clawson is the one making that call, and he sees Davis Mills stepping in if Stroud keeps stumbling. As Clawson put it, "Prediction: C.J.
Stroud will get benched," Clawson writes. "Houston will send Stroud a message at some point in 2026 by benching him in favor of Davis Mills as the team has a Super Bowl-caliber defense but an offense that continues to underachieve."
That would be a major turn for a franchise that has already shown patience with Stroud. Houston stuck with him after last year’s collapse against the New England Patriots in a very winnable AFC Divisional Round matchup, and it did not make the move then.
Still, the logic behind the prediction is easy to see. The Texans can only lean on that defense for so long if the offense keeps dragging. Even with talent like Nico Collins and David Montgomery, the questions around the offensive line and Stroud remain front and center, and the concern is that this group could really struggle in 2026.
If that happens, the Texans would be forced into a decision that says plenty about how they view Stroud’s future. Benching him for Mills would amount to a clear message that the organization no longer sees him as the quarterback to build around.
It’s also not hard to understand why Houston might even consider the idea. If the offense is just needed to be steady rather than spectacular, the Texans may decide they only need a game manager to get where they want to go. That’s the gamble Clawson is projecting: Stroud falters again, the window starts closing, and Houston turns to Mills in hopes of stabilizing the position.
It’s not the most likely outcome, but it’s realistic enough to sit there uncomfortably for the Texans. If Stroud keeps struggling and keeps turning the ball over like he did last year, Houston may eventually have no choice but to make the switch.
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