C.J. Stroud’s season didn’t end the way anyone in Houston hoped.
Four interceptions in a playoff loss to the Patriots-especially in a game where the weather was less than forgiving-left a bitter taste. But inside the Texans’ building, there’s no panic.
In fact, there’s a clear message coming from the top: Stroud is still their guy.
Despite that Divisional Round meltdown, General Manager Nick Caserio isn’t wavering in his belief in the young quarterback. Speaking recently on Pro Football Talk Live, Caserio didn’t dodge the tough questions. Instead, he offered a grounded, measured take on where Stroud stands heading into a pivotal offseason.
“Can’t let one half kind of mark what’s happened over the course of his career,” Caserio said. And he’s got a point.
Let’s not forget what Stroud did as a rookie in 2023. He didn’t just show flashes-he looked like the real deal.
Poised, accurate, and ahead of the curve in terms of decision-making, Stroud helped stabilize a franchise that had been searching for answers under center. But the NFL doesn’t wait around.
And in 2025, things got bumpier.
Stroud’s third season was a step back. The consistency wasn’t there, and the turnovers crept in at the worst possible time.
Still, the Texans made the playoffs for the third straight year. That’s not nothing.
And while the team hasn’t broken through the Divisional Round ceiling yet, they’re not far off. The pieces are there.
The foundation is solid. What they need now is growth-from the roster, from the coaching staff, and yes, from the quarterback.
That’s why this offseason is so important. The 2026 NFL Draft and free agency present obvious opportunities to plug holes and add talent.
But just as critical is what happens with the guys already in the building-especially Stroud. He’s at a crossroads in his young career, and the Texans are nearing a decision point: pick up his fifth-year option or explore an early extension.
Right now, the safer play seems to be picking up the option and letting 2026 be the true proving ground. An extension would be a bold bet, and while Stroud’s ceiling is still incredibly high, the recent trend line suggests a little more evaluation is needed.
Caserio’s comments reflect that balance. He’s not sugarcoating the situation, but he’s not overreacting either.
“He’s had a lot of success. He’s played three years of good football,” Caserio said.
That’s not just GM-speak-it’s a reminder that development isn’t always linear. Quarterbacks hit rough patches.
The key is how they respond.
The Texans are betting that Stroud will respond the right way. And with a full offseason to reset, recalibrate, and reload, there’s every reason to believe he can.
He’s shown the tools. He’s shown the leadership.
Now it’s about putting it all together again-and pushing this Houston team beyond the Divisional Round.
Because if Stroud can take that next step, the Texans might not just be a playoff team. They could be a real contender.