Stroud’s Four Interceptions Doom Texans In Playoff Loss

The Houston Texans’ 2025-26 campaign, once brimming with promise, came to a crashing halt in Foxborough as C.J. Stroud delivered what many are calling the worst performance of his NFL career. Facing the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round with a coveted AFC Championship berth at stake, the Texans fell 28-16—an outcome defined by Stroud’s four first-half interceptions, including a devastating pick-six that left fans and analysts alike questioning the franchise’s direction at quarterback.

It was a game that started poorly and never truly recovered. At halftime, the Texans trailed 21-10, with Stroud’s mistakes fueling the Patriots’ momentum. As the clock ticked toward the break, Houston’s offense sputtered, and the defense—impressive as it was—could only do so much to erase the damage. “Houston’s defense can only do so much erasing of CJ Stroud’s mistakes. If he keeps playing like this, they’re cooked,” a fan lamented on social media. The frustration was palpable, with some questioning why Stroud remained in the lineup and others calling for backup Davis Mills to get a shot.

By the end of the third quarter, the Texans had managed to close the gap to 21-16, clinging to hope as their defense forced three fumbles from Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye and even intercepted a Hail Mary to end the half. But the offense failed to capitalize. Houston’s only touchdown came after a short field set up by a defensive fumble recovery, with Stroud connecting with Christian Kirk for a 10-yard score. Yet, the magic never materialized. The Patriots pulled away in the fourth quarter, sealing Houston’s fate and sending them home for the third consecutive year in the second round.

The postgame conversation quickly shifted from the loss itself to Stroud’s future. The third-year quarterback finished 20-of-47 for 212 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions—a stat line that will haunt him through the offseason. ESPN’s halftime crew didn’t mince words. “With 30 minutes left in their season, do you think the Texans are thinking about who is playing quarterback in the second half?” Scott Van Pelt asked Marcus Spears. Spears replied, “It’s got to be a conversation between Davis Mills [and Stroud]. And I get it. C.J. Stroud looks rattled right now, and it was a little bit of this in Pittsburgh that had me concerned about him tonight.” Ryan Clark added, “The second half has legit ramifications on whether or not C.J. Stroud is the quarterback of the Houston Texans going forward.”

Head coach DeMeco Ryans, however, stuck with his starter. Despite the mounting pressure and speculation, Stroud played the entirety of the game. Joe Buck, calling the action, hinted at the possibility of a change: “Any more problems and DeMeco Ryans might be at least tempted to go with Davis Mills.” But the switch never came. Afterward, Ryans publicly backed his quarterback, even as the franchise faces tough questions about its offensive identity and long-term plan at the game’s most important position.

Stroud’s struggles couldn’t have come at a more pivotal time. The 2023 second overall pick, who signed a four-year, $36.3 million rookie contract with an immediate $23.38 million bonus, is now eligible for a lucrative extension. His rookie season was nothing short of sensational—he led the Texans to the playoffs in 2024 and was widely considered the franchise’s long-awaited answer at quarterback. But after a rocky start to the current season (including three consecutive losses to the Rams, Buccaneers, and Jaguars before a midseason rebound), doubts have crept in.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Texans are expected to exercise Stroud’s $26.5 million fifth-year option for 2027, effectively buying themselves more time to evaluate their young signal-caller. “C.J. Stroud is also extension eligible,” Rapoport reported. “My best guess is that it probably happens next offseason.” The team is projected to be $10.81 million over the salary cap entering the offseason, complicating any immediate extension talks. However, with $168.13 million in projected cap space by 2027, Houston has flexibility down the line.

Contract projections for Stroud vary widely. Spotrac estimates he could command a deal worth $154 million, while some experts expect negotiations to mirror Brock Purdy’s recent five-year, $265 million extension. But after a playoff performance like this, Stroud’s market value may have taken a hit. As one report noted, “After another clunker to end the year, his value may have taken a big hit.” The Texans’ brass must now decide whether to lock up Stroud long-term or take a wait-and-see approach, allowing him another season to prove he’s the franchise cornerstone they hoped for.

Meanwhile, the Texans’ defense—anchored by standout edge rusher Will Anderson Jr.—remains a bright spot. Anderson, who tallied 35 tackles, 12 sacks, and four forced fumbles during the regular season, is also up for an extension. Rapoport expects Anderson’s next deal to make him one of, if not the, highest-paid edge rushers in the NFL. Over the Cap estimates Anderson could command $38.67 million per season, a testament to his impact and the defense’s reputation as a Super Bowl-caliber unit.

Houston’s front office faces a delicate balancing act: rewarding young stars while maintaining financial flexibility. The team’s recent playoff runs—three straight second-round exits—underscore both their progress and their limitations. The defense has repeatedly risen to the occasion, but the offense, and particularly the quarterback position, remains a question mark.

Stroud’s contract, originally signed in 2023, was groundbreaking in its structure. The immediate payout of his entire signing bonus set a new precedent for rookie deals, and his average annual salary exceeded $9 million. In 2023, he earned $750,000 in base salary but took home over $6.5 million with bonuses. That number jumped to $8.2 million in 2024 and $9.9 million in 2025. The Texans have their franchise quarterback locked up through 2026, and, barring a dramatic change, the fifth-year option will keep him in Houston through 2027.

But will Stroud be the long-term answer? The coming months will be critical. The Texans must decide whether to double down on their investment or take a more cautious approach. “The Texans should have started Davis Mills over CJ Stroud. They just didn’t have the guts,” insider John Frascella wrote, echoing the doubts now swirling around Houston’s quarterback room.

For now, the Texans’ season has ended in disappointment, and the franchise stands at a crossroads. The defense is ready for a championship run, but the offense—and its young quarterback—must catch up. As Houston heads into a pivotal offseason, all eyes will be on C.J. Stroud and the decisions that will shape the team’s future.