The NFL Draft has come and gone, but for the Houston Texans, the offseason is far from over. As the team shifts from draft prep to early workouts—before the infamous "NFL Dead Zone" sets in—there's plenty of action still unfolding. Key extensions, like the massive deal for defensive star Will Anderson Jr., are already in the books, allowing the squad to turn attention from off-field debate to on-field production. And with that, we're one step closer to the start of the season, when the mental and financial health of many fans will hinge on the performance of men playing a game.
Yet, even with major moves made, questions still linger around the Texans. Let's dive into the biggest ones.
What about CJ Stroud?
When Will Anderson Jr. signed his market-breaking extension, the shockwaves quickly shifted to his 2023 draft counterpart, quarterback CJ Stroud. For now, Stroud remains on his rookie deal, with the team picking up his fifth-year option—a move that boosts his paycheck but leaves the big second contract shrouded in uncertainty. Stroud's career has been a tale of two seasons: a stellar rookie campaign followed by one of the most stunning flameouts in postseason history to close the 2025-26 year. Quarterback extensions often dwarf all others, and if a QB proves to be a true franchise cornerstone, teams open the checkbook. But it's a massive gamble. For every Mahomes, Burrow, Stafford, or Jackson deal, there's a cautionary tale like Kyler Murray or Tua Tagovailoa. Houston is playing a risky game. The logic is clear: use this season to see if Stroud can recapture his rookie magic, which would justify a massive extension. But waiting could mean more cap pain down the road. And if the 2025-26 postseason was a harbinger of decline rather than an aberration, any extension could become a franchise-hindering albatross.
Any other extensions inbound?
With Anderson locked in and Stroud's future still in flux, attention turns to the rest of the roster. The Texans have a handful of key players approaching contract years or eligible for extensions. Wide receiver Nico Collins, coming off a breakout season, could be next in line for a payday. His chemistry with Stroud was electric in 2024, and locking him in now—before the market resets again—would be a savvy move. On defense, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. has shown flashes of elite play, but consistency remains a question. An extension now could be a bargain if he takes another leap, or a risk if he plateaus. The team also has to consider offensive linemen like Laremy Tunsil, whose current deal is hefty but who remains a cornerstone of the protection scheme. Balancing cap space while keeping the core intact will be a tightrope walk for general manager Nick Caserio.
What about the wide receiver room?
Beyond Collins, the Texans have intriguing depth but no clear WR2. Tank Dell showed promise as a rookie but struggled with injuries and consistency last season. The team added a veteran presence in free agency, but the draft didn't bring a top-tier target. If Stroud is to bounce back, he'll need reliable weapons. The pressure is on the coaching staff to develop the young talent and scheme open opportunities. A slow start from the passing game could reignite questions about Stroud's supporting cast—and his own ceiling.
Can the defense carry the load?
With Anderson anchoring the pass rush and Stingley in the secondary, the defense has star power. But depth is a concern, especially along the defensive line and at linebacker. The team invested in the draft, but rookies often take time to adjust. If the offense struggles early, the defense will need to keep games close—something they weren't always able to do last season. Coordinator Matt Burke will be under the microscope to scheme pressure and create turnovers, especially against a tough AFC South that features explosive offenses.
The bottom line
The Texans are in a fascinating spot: loaded with young talent, but facing pivotal decisions that could shape the franchise for years. Stroud's development is the centerpiece, but it's far from the only question. With the season still months away, Houston has time to answer them—but the clock is ticking. For fans and fantasy owners alike, this is a team to watch closely as the summer unfolds.