Stephen A Smith Sends Stern Message to CJ Stroud Amid Texans Contract Dispute
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith argued that C.J. Stroud should have more urgency to sign an extension before the 2026 season.
ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith has issued a stern warning to Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud regarding the ongoing contract dispute. According to GM Nick Caserio, contract discussions will not take place during the 2026 regular season. Smith believes Stroud should prioritize securing an extension before Week 1, expressing more urgency for the Texans' quarterback over his own feelings.
Stroud is currently under contract through 2027, with Houston having exercised his fifth-year option. Smith pointed out the quarterback's decline in the playoffs, where he threw four interceptions in a loss to the New England Patriots, after averaging just 7.2 yards per pass attempt in the regular season. Compared to his rookie year, Stroud's performance has significantly dropped.
Smith expressed skepticism about Stroud's ability to bounce back and maintain his value, citing the powerful Houston defense as a variable that could negatively impact him. The analyst suggested that Stroud does not deserve a contract in the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks, noting that only a dozen players currently earn more than $50 million annually. Smith advised Stroud to pursue a deal in the $45 million range, emphasizing that he should not act as though he is entitled to $55-60 million per year.
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