Houston Texans Likely to Stick With CJ Stroud Despite Playoff Struggles

The Houston Texans ended their 2025-26 season with a lopsided loss to the New England Patriots in the divisional round of the AFC playoffs. Quarterback CJ Stroud struggled mightily, throwing four interceptions in the first half under frigid conditions in Foxborough, casting doubt on his trajectory following a promising rookie campaign in 2023.

Stroud’s recent regression, extending into a second consecutive season, has fueled questions about his long-term future with the Texans. Analysts and fans alike have speculated on whether Houston might explore alternative options at quarterback as they look to compete in the AFC.

In spite of these concerns, Texans beat reporter John McClain recently posted on X that he believes Stroud will remain with the team, using colorful humor to underscore his certainty. McClain’s commentary suggests that a Stroud trade this offseason is highly unlikely.

While the quarterback has faced ups and downs, including time missed due to a concussion, the Texans’ front office appears committed to giving him at least another year to stabilize and grow into the role. The organization will also weigh how much value they could realistically receive in a trade given Stroud’s inconsistent performance.

1. Playoff Struggles and Season Regression

Stroud’s performance in the divisional round highlighted ongoing challenges. The quarterback’s four first-half interceptions against New England reflected difficulties in decision-making and adapting to pressure, issues that have emerged since his standout rookie season in 2023. The Texans’ offensive struggles were compounded by injuries, most notably the loss of wide receiver Nico Collins, who went down in a key playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Collins’ absence removed a primary target for Stroud, placing even more pressure on the young signal-caller. Backup quarterback Davis Mills stepped in admirably during Stroud’s missed games due to concussion protocol, providing some stability. However, Mills’ presence did not diminish the overarching narrative that the Texans’ offensive production relies heavily on Stroud’s development. The Texans’ defense, recognized as one of the strongest in recent NFL history, carried the team through much of the season, but playoff defeats have emphasized that Stroud’s continued growth is essential for Houston to advance deeper into the postseason.

2. Stroud’s Future With the Texans

Despite inconsistent play, it appears the Texans are likely to retain Stroud for the upcoming season. McClain’s recent post humorously emphasized his confidence that Stroud will not be traded, a sentiment echoed by other insiders who note the difficulty of moving a young quarterback with high draft pedigree. From a strategic perspective, keeping Stroud allows the Texans to maintain continuity at the most critical position while leveraging their strong defensive foundation. The team’s front office can focus on surrounding him with additional talent and stability rather than starting a quarterback search from scratch. Trade value is another consideration. Given Stroud’s recent struggles and injuries, it remains unclear whether Houston could secure a meaningful return in a potential deal. This limits the team’s incentive to part ways unless significant improvements do not materialize in the 2026 season. Stroud’s retention also aligns with the Texans’ broader development plan. With a young roster and a defense capable of keeping games competitive, giving the quarterback another year could pay dividends if he regains the form that made him a first-round pick in 2023.

3. Looking Ahead to 2026

As the Texans enter the offseason, the focus will be on player development, free agency, and potential draft additions to bolster the offense. Stroud’s growth and comfort within the system will be central to the team’s strategy for competing in the AFC South. Coaching staff and front office personnel will likely analyze the lessons from the two playoff defeats, emphasizing areas such as decision-making, pocket presence, and chemistry with receivers to help Stroud reach his potential. The 2026 season presents both a challenge and an opportunity. If Stroud can stabilize and elevate his play, the Texans’ combination of a top-tier defense and an improving offense could make them a playoff contender. Conversely, continued struggles may force Houston to reevaluate options at quarterback moving forward. For now, insiders and beat reporters are confident that Stroud will be the starter, giving fans and the team an offseason to hope for growth and refinement. How he responds could define the trajectory of the franchise for the next several years.