C.J. Stroud has entered the random new diet phase of his NFL career

TL;DR

C.J. Stroud is seeking a contract extension with the Houston Texans but faces uncertainty as the team hasn't shown significant commitment. Meanwhile, he is focusing on improving his performance after mixed seasons following a strong rookie year.

Key points

C.J. Stroud is seeking a contract extension with the Texans
The Texans have exercised his fifth-year option
Stroud's performance has been inconsistent since his rookie season

Mentioned in this story

C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans

C.J. Stroud is ready for the Houston Texans to give him a monster contract extension this offseason.

Shoot, after three seasons, it would be the logical thing to do with the supposed franchise quarterback. This, especially after the Texans already secured their future with star defensive end Will Anderson, who got a huge extension in mid-April. Unfortunately for Stroud, there doesn't appear to be any notable momentum on his contract front. Beyond Houston exercising the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, the franchise doesn't appear super ready to commit several more years beyond that to the talented but inconsistent quarterback.

At least, not right now. After all, if the Texans were really confident in the 24-year-old Stroud, they'd probably already have a deal.

According to ESPN's DJ Bien-Amie, Stroud apparently isn't phased by the lack of contract momentum with Houston. In the meantime, the fourth-year signal-caller has been trying to recalibrate himself. Anything to get closer to the highs of his dazzling 2023 rookie season that was followed by two disappointing and, at times, middling campaigns.

What's one of his strategies? Changing up his diet. To what exactly? No sugar, all water, all lean foods. Uh-huh.

Ah, yes, I'm sure the Texans will be reassured by Stroud's non-specific nutrition plan that is cutting out, er, the "bad stuff" at the bottom of food pyramids. (Also, shouldn't he already have been doing that as a professional athlete? Was he eating a lot of sugar before or something?)

More in the clip from ESPN's DJ Bien-Amie below:

If I were to make a guess, I do think the Texans will eventually reward Stroud with generational wealth. Do I think it will come laden with incentives and less guaranteed money than he'll hope for? Yes. Do I think the greater football internet will kind of, sort of make fun of the Texans for doing so, the way they do with every other inconsistent quarterback? Absolutely. Do I think he'll prove to be worth it in due time? Actually, yes!

Q&A

What is C.J. Stroud's current contract situation with the Texans?

C.J. Stroud is under a rookie contract with the Texans, who have exercised his fifth-year option, but there is no notable momentum for a long-term extension.

How did C.J. Stroud perform in his rookie season compared to subsequent years?

Stroud had a dazzling rookie season in 2023, but his performance in the following two seasons has been disappointing and inconsistent.

What steps is C.J. Stroud taking to improve his game?

Stroud is recalibrating himself in an effort to return to the high performance he showed during his rookie season.