At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Houston Texans GM Nick Caserio made it clear that trade rumors involving quarterback C.J. Stroud are pure nonsense. Caserio didn’t mince words, calling the speculation “moronic” and reaffirming Stroud as the Texans’ quarterback for the future.
The buzz around Stroud’s potential trade erupted after the Texans’ 28-16 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional round, where Stroud threw four interceptions in the first half. This followed a rough outing against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he turned the ball over three times, despite a 30-6 Wildcard win.
These struggles, coupled with what some perceive as a decline in performance over the past two years, have fueled the trade chatter. Analysts like Ryan Fitzpatrick, Connor Orr, and Todd McShay have all speculated on the situation, adding to the noise.
However, the idea of trading a young quarterback like Stroud, who has already revitalized a struggling franchise, seems impractical. Stroud has led the Texans to multiple playoff appearances, boasting a 3-3 postseason record and remaining undefeated in Wildcard games. This is a significant turnaround for a team that, not long ago, was in the league’s basement with a dismal 11-38-1 record over three seasons.
The Texans narrowly missed drafting Bryce Young, a decision that, in hindsight, worked in their favor given Young’s rocky start in the NFL. Stroud, on the other hand, has proven to be one of the AFC’s top playoff performers, tied for the third-most postseason wins since his debut.
Caserio’s confidence in Stroud is well-placed. Stroud has been the cornerstone of the Texans’ ambitions since he was 22, without the benefit of learning under a seasoned veteran. He’s had to grow into his role, much like other greats who faced early challenges.
Now, it’s on Stroud to bounce back and justify the faith Caserio and the Texans have in him. He’s shown he can be a top-tier quarterback, and the expectation is that he’ll rise to the occasion once more.