The quarterback market is forever climbing, topped by the Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes‘ $64 million-per-year salary, so Stroud stands to make more money as long as he’s patient and proves himself worthy of such a lucrative deal.
Stroud’s upcoming campaign will be crucial in regard to the latter element of the equation.
After winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023 with 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions, Stroud has played far more unevenly the past two seasons. He’s thrown for 6,768 yards, 39 TDs and 20 INTs since 2024, with an 89.6 passer rating compared to his 100.8 rating as a rookie.
While it was uncharacteristic of a QB who still adeptly managed his squad to three playoff trips in three tries, Stroud melted down in his most recent postseason, tossing five picks and fumbling five times across two games.
The Texans have done nothing but sing his praises since, though, with countless players and personnel backing the QB.
Should Stroud rebound in Year 4 and perhaps help shatter the Divisional Round ceiling that has limited Houston in recent trips, it’ll only up his worth when the sides come back to the table.
Stroud and Houston kick off the ’26 season with a heavyweight bout against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.