Why did Houston pick up C.J. Stroud's fifth-year option? GM explains

The Houston Texans still see a world where C.J. Stroud can be the quarterback of the future, which was the main reason why the team picked up his fifth-year option ahead of the 2026 season.

Stroud, who has guided the Texans to three straight playoff appearances, will face legitimate pressure for the first time in his career. Fans are tired of seeing the franchise come to a halt in the divisional round and Stroud has been a culprit of the negative plays, most recently tossing four interceptions en route to a loss against New England.

But the Texans view the former No. 2 overall pick as the No. 1 option at the game's most important position. And even with the outside noise stating that Stroud could be in a make-or-break year, general manager Nick Caserio reiterated on Monday that the plan for the franchise is to win with him calling the shots.

“He’s our quarterback. We’ve said that from the beginning," Caserio said ahead of the upcoming NFL draft. "I think that was really more of a procedural thing. I don’t want to say it was a no-brainer, but it was kind of a no-brainer, so we’re glad he’s here."

Stroud, who will make $25.9 million in 2027, has been hard at work trying to better prepare for next season. Most of his time has been spent in the workout facilities and on the practice field trying to hone in on the little details that cost Houston a spot in its first-ever AFC title game appearance.

Earlier this offseason, rumors swirled that Stroud could be moved for the right price, but Caserio shot down all talks at the scouting combine in Indianapolis that any trade talks had been discussed. While the team hasn't begun conversations toward a contract extension, picking up the fifth-year option should signal the team's commitment towards him as the long-term signal-caller off NRG Drive.

“Again, it’s more of a part of the process," Caserio said. "So, we’re excited about his offseason. I think he’s had a good approach, had a good attitude here. I think he’s put a lot of work in from March and April. I’m so excited to have him around here in the spring and I’m excited to keep moving forward.”

Since being drafted out of Ohio State, Stroud has thrown for 10,876 yards and 62 touchdowns against 25 interceptions. Last season, he completed 64.5 percent of his throws as he passed for 3,041 yards, 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions while missing three games due to a concussion.

The Texans own eight picks in the upcoming draft next week.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans: GM Nick Caserio weighs in on QB C.J. Stroud's 5th year option