Houston Texans exercise fifth-year options for CJ Stroud, Will Anderson through 2027

The Houston Texans have made a key roster decision for the future, picking up the fifth-year options on quarterback C.J. Stroud and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., ensuring both remain under contract through the 2027 season.

The move, reported by multiple outlets, sets Stroud’s 2027 salary at $25.904 million and Anderson’s at $21.512 million. Both players were top-three selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, with Stroud going No. 2 overall and Anderson following at No. 3 after Houston traded up.

Field Yates of ESPN wrote: “The Texans have exercised the 2027 fifth-year options on the contracts of QB CJ Stroud and All Pro DE Will Anderson, per source. Stroud is now due $25.904M in 2027, while Anderson is due $21.512M. Both players are also extension eligible.”

Anderson has quickly developed into one of the league’s premier defensive players. In three seasons, he’s racked up 30 sacks, 64 quarterback hits, and multiple accolades, including Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, two Pro Bowl selections, and a first-team All-Pro nod. After finishing as a runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year, he’s widely expected to be next in line for a lucrative extension that could reset the market for defenders.

Stroud’s trajectory has been less straightforward. After a standout rookie campaign that earned him Offensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowl selection, his production dipped over the following two seasons. Injuries limited him to 14 games in 2025, and he posted career lows with 3,041 passing yards and 19 touchdowns. His playoff performance raised further concerns. Following a comfortable wild-card win over Pittsburgh, Stroud struggled in a divisional-round loss to New England, throwing four first-half interceptions in a 28-16 defeat. He finished the game 20-of-47 for 212 yards, one touchdown, and was sacked three times.

Overall, Stroud holds a 28-18 record as a starter, completing 63.8% of his passes for 10,876 yards, 62 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions across 46 games, along with three playoff appearances. By exercising his option, Houston buys time to evaluate whether he can return to his early form. His base salary remains modest in 2026 before jumping significantly in 2027, increasing the stakes for the upcoming season. If improvement doesn’t follow, the team could explore alternatives in free agency or the draft.

In contrast, Anderson appears firmly entrenched as a cornerstone player, with the organization expected to prioritize a long-term deal. For now, the Texans have secured both stars for at least two more years while keeping their future options open.

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