C.J. Stroud opens up about Texans future after nightmare outing in loss to Patriots

Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman suggested the Houston Texans may need to soon have some difficult conversations regarding the future of third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud after he tossed four interceptions in the first half of Houston's 28-16 divisional-round playoff loss to the New England Patriots this past Sunday. 

While speaking with reporters on Monday, Stroud made it known he is committed to bouncing back from his most recent performances as a member of the Texans. 

C.J. Stroud "crushed" by performance in loss to Patriots

"I want to be here as long as I can," Stroud said, per Cole Thompson of Texans Wire. "I love the city of Houston. I'm crushed, and I don't want to be emotional, but just how hopeful we were to go further. For it to be on my plate, for me not to step up, it really hurts me. I wish it didn't go that way. But my intent was never that. My intent is always to go out and ball and play as best as I can, and it didn't happen. But I know that I can do that. So, I hope this city and this organization and my teammates, and I know my teammates will, but I hope everybody gives me a shot to do it again." 

Stroud's regression since he earned Offensive Rookie of the Year Award honors for the 2023 season has generated headlines over the past two years. While he has three playoff wins on his career resume, he largely failed to impress when he lost two fumbles and threw an interception in his club's 30-6 wild-card playoff victory at the Pittsburgh Steelers before the disaster against the Patriots. 

Stroud is eligible for an extension this offseason, and a previous report shared that the Texans plan to pick up the fifth-year option for 2027 attached to his rookie contract. That said, those running the franchise may be thinking twice about locking him down via a multi-year deal after his last two outings. 

C.J. Stroud made "uncharacteristic" miscues during third NFL season

"I think the whole year there was things that I could have done a lot better, things I got better in, so I don't just look at all the negative, but that's what stands out," Stroud added. "I just got to take some steps in some ways, and I think I'll be able to do that because a lot of things that I've noticed from this season was some uncharacteristic things that I really haven't done in my career. So, I just want to learn from that, and I'm still growing in this league, [I’m] still a player that has a lot to learn from, a lot to look forward to in my career, so I'm excited to do that." 

Pro Football Reference stats show that Stroud finished this past regular season ranked 12th in the NFL with a 61.8 adjusted QBR. He undeniably has played like a franchise quarterback, at times, and there's no sign the Texans will look to land an advertised upgrade at the position this offseason. 

That said, Stroud may find himself entering a make-or-break season regarding his Houston future come September.