Texans exercise fifth-year options for C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson: Source

AFC EastBillsDolphinsJetsPatriotsAFC NorthBengalsBrownsRavensSteelersAFC SouthColtsJaguarsTexansTitansAFC WestBroncosChargersChiefsRaidersNFC EastCommandersCowboysEaglesGiantsNFC NorthBearsLionsPackersVikingsNFC SouthBuccaneersFalconsPanthersSaintsNFC West49ersCardinalsRamsSeahawksScores & ScheduleStandingsFantasyNFL OddsNFL PicksNFL DraftPodcastsScoop City NewsletterThe BeastTop 100 Rankings3-Round Mock DraftNFL Draft OrderFree Agency Tracker2026 NFL Draft C.J. Stroud has led the Texans to the playoffs in each of his three seasons. Adam Glanzman / Getty Images Share full articleThe Houston Texans are picking up the 2027 fifth-year options on quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson Jr., a team source confirmed to The Athletic on Wednesday. The Texans selected Stroud with the No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft, then traded up to take Anderson at No. 3. In their rookie seasons, Stroud and Anderson won Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year, respectively, and helped Houston return to the playoffs after a three-year hiatus. Stroud’s production has dipped since he threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions as a rookie. He’s been less accurate and more turnover-prone over the last two years, and threw for a career-low 3,041 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2025, with eight interceptions. He also missed three games with a concussion. Over the Texans’ two playoff games last season, Stroud threw two touchdowns to five interceptions and took six sacks. Four of those five picks came in Houston’s divisional-round loss to the New England Patriots. The driving force behind the Texans’ 2025 postseason run was their dominant defense that consistently ranked among the best in the NFL. Anderson was a first-team All-Pro last year, following a season in which he set career highs in sacks (12), tackles for loss (20), forced fumbles (three) and fumble recoveries (two). In just three seasons in Houston, he has quickly become one of the best edge rushers in football. Stroud is due $25.904 million in 2027, while Anderson is due $21.512 million. Both players are also eligible for extensions. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms