Trade C.J. Stroud? Texans GM offers definitive statement on rumors

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 18: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans reacts after an interception was returned for a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Houston Texans advanced to the Divisional Round of the 2025-2026 NFL Playoffs this past season, only to fall short against the New England Patriots. In that 28-16 loss, Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud threw not one, not two, not three, but four interceptions, prompting speculation about his future with the Texans.

Meeting the media at the 2026 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, general manager Nick Caserio shut down any notion that Stroud would not be the team's starting quarterback this season.

Asked about a potential trade involving Stroud, Caserio blasted the idea, calling it moronic" before asserting that the organization is glad he's our quarterback:"

#Texans general manager Nick Caserio on C.J. Stroud called trade speculation 'moronic' and emphasized 'We're not trading C.J. We're glad he's our quarterback' @KPRC2pic.twitter.com/2wo55YXqBm

- Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 24, 2026

Stroud, drafted by the Texans with the second-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is now eligible for a contract extension ahead of the 2026 NFL season. ESPN insider Dan Graziano predicted that Stroud would sign a new contract, but added a caveat that his performance in the playoffs could give the Texans some pause" before putting pen to paper on a new deal.

Stroud's situation is one to watch carefully," wrote Graziano. Again, the Texans tend to be generous with their extensions, so we lean toward predicting they'll find a way to lock him up long term this offseason. But if this season has given them any pause, or if Stroud's demands come in too high, this could drag out."

Now we wait to see what Caserio truly believes.