Reports: Texans exercise options for CJ Stroud, Will Anderson

Field Level Media|published: Wed 8th April, 14:03 2026

Apr 28, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; From left to right, Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud (left), second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and Texans linebacker Will Anderson Jr., third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, pose for a photo at a press conference at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

The Houston Texans exercised the fifth-year options for quarterback CJ Stroud and pass-rusher Will Anderson, multiple outlets reported on Wednesday.

The options will pay Stroud $25.904 million and Anderson $21.512 million in 2027. They were the No. 2 and No. 3 overall picks in the 2023 NFL Draft by Houston, respectively.

The Texans had until May 1 to pick up the options. Reports out of Houston said the move is a precursor to a long-term extension for the All-Pro Anderson, while the team plans to evaluate how Stroud performs this season.

Stroud, 24, has compiled a 28-18 record with three trips to the playoffs in his first three seasons as the starter. The 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year has completed 63.8% of his passes for 10,876 yards with 62 touchdowns and 25 interceptions in 46 starts. He also made the Pro Bowl in 2023.

Anderson, 24, has tallied 30 sacks, 64 quarterback hits, 136 tackles, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 46 games (44 starts). The 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year made the Pro Bowl in 2023 and 2025 and earned All-Pro first-team honors in 2025.

--Field Level Media

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