The Houston Texans are about to learn just how expensive a franchise quarterback can be. As C.J. Stroud approaches his second NFL contract, the price tag is expected to be anything but a bargain. And according to league insiders, Stroud and his camp aren't planning on giving the home team any discounts.

ESPN's D.J. Bien-Aime recently shared insights from an NFC front office executive, who outlined a potential strategy for the Texans: offer Stroud a deal in the range of top 8-to-12 quarterback money—something like $42 to $45 million per year over three years. If that fails, the executive suggested Houston could follow the path the Dallas Cowboys took with Dak Prescott in 2020: use the franchise tag.

For context, the eighth-highest annual salary among NFL quarterbacks belongs to the Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts at $51 million, while the 12th spot goes to none other than Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs at $45 million. Yes, the same Mahomes who has won multiple Super Bowls and redefined the position is only the 12th highest-paid quarterback in the league. That tells you everything you need to know about how quarterback contracts work in today's NFL.

Merit often has little to do with who tops the pay scale. More often than not, the highest-paid quarterback is simply the next one up—the franchise signal-caller whose contract has expired at the right time. Stroud, represented by agent David Mulugheta of Athletes First, is widely expected to reject any offer that falls in the 8-to-12 range. As the NFC executive noted, Stroud's team has all the leverage.

Texans owner Cal McNair has made it clear he wants cornerstone players like Stroud and defensive star Will Anderson Jr. in Houston for the long haul. But McNair is also known for letting the football people handle the negotiations—he just signs the checks. That hands-off approach could lead to a high-stakes standoff as Stroud's camp pushes for a deal that resets the market.

In a league where the quarterback position dictates everything, Stroud is poised to become the next player to prove that timing and leverage—not just on-field performance—determine who gets paid. For the Texans, the clock is ticking, and the price is only going up. Whether you're a fan, a fantasy owner, or just someone who loves the drama of NFL contract negotiations, this is a story worth watching closely.