Texans' C.J. Stroud Predicted to Surpass Josh Allen With Huge Contract

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud certainly did not play up to expectations in 2024, as the former No. 2 overall pick took a rather significant step back after a brilliant rookie campaign.

But that does not mean he isn't still clearly the Texans' signal-caller of the future.

Stroud is obviously one of the most talented quarterbacks in football and seems likely to be around for the long haul in Houston, and next year, he becomes eligible for a contract extension.

The market for quarterbacks actually remained pretty steady after Josh Allen landed a massive six-year, $330 million extension with the Buffalo Bills, which is only $55 million annually. That's the same as Trevor Lawrence and less than Dak Prescott, who bagged $60 million per year.

However, Bleacher Report's Alex Kay is expecting Stroud to surpass Allen's deal from an average annual value perspective, projecting the Ohio State product to secure a five-year, $285 million pact with the Texans.

"Even though Stroud took a step back in Year 2, he was still at the helm of a team that went 10-7 and won a playoff game in back-to-back seasons," Kay wrote. "While he didn't earn a Pro Bowl spot or enter the MVP discussion in 2024, he's projected to remain a high-end starter on a competitive squad for the foreseeable future."

After a historic rookie season in which Stroud threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions, Stroud was much more ordinary in 2024, totaling 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 picks.

To be fair, Houston was ravaged by injuries offensively, and you have to give Stroud time to re-adjust to NFL defenses that have adjusted to him.

Next season will represent an absolutely pivotal one for Stroud. If the 23-year-old can put together a fantastic year, the Texans will have to break the bank to sign him long term. And they should.

Texans sign Justin Watson to help C.J. Stroud on offense: Full details and grade

The Houston Texans need help at wide receiver and they've added help in the form of Justin Watson. This might not be a huge splash signing but the Texans needed help for C.J. Stroud and Watson can provide them help in the pass-catching department.

Watson is most known for the three years he spent with the Kansas City Chiefs, winning two Super Bowls with them. He was a fifth-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2018 NFL Draft and spent four years there, winning a Super Bowl with the Bucs in the 2020 season (giving him three total in his seven-year career).

Watson has never been a top-tier option for the teams he's played for but he's an excellent depth piece. This past year in Kansas City saw Watson nab 22 receptions for 289 yards and two touchdowns. His best year statistically came in 2023 when he had 27 catches for 460 yards and three trips into the end zone.

What grade do the Texans deserve for the Justin Watson signing?

Let's make it known that Watson wasn't signed to be a superstar in Houston. The Texans already have Nico Collins to fill that role but he can't do everything. Tank Dell likely won't be able to return until late in the regular season so that leaves Christian Kirk, John Metchie III, and Berrios Braxton as other depth options for Stroud to throw to.

We don't know the details of this deal just yet but as long as it's on the cheaper end, there shouldn't be a reason not to like this move. Watson won't be tearing it up but he proved to be a reliable option for Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City and had his best year when the Chiefs' offense was at its worst of the Mahomes era.

Because the Texans needed depth at wide receiver and Watson fills that role and has experience on the biggest of stages, this move deserves a B+.