CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans are still at odds when it comes to the quarterback’s extension. Between them lies a rumored $15 million gap.

“Texans want him at $50-55m, Stroud wants $70m,” wrote ESPN 975 host Jeremy Branham on August 20 on X. Branham said that he came to this deduction, a “par-ish” figure, after analyzing the cap percentage of top QB signings and finding out there are at least 3 QBs who will be there next season.

Adam Schefter reported earlier that the two sides aren’t close to a deal. Stroud is still set to suit up for the Texans through 2027, as the team picked up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. Whether Stroud gets his desired figure at the end of these talks, however, is a mystery.

The quarterback made a hot start in his career by winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. But his production has dipped since then, and 2025 was a significantly bad year, at least according to Stroud’s standards. Last year, he became the first player with five interceptions and five fumbles in a single postseason.

If he has to earn $70 million annually despite this, Stroud has to work on a lot.

Patrick Mahomes will be the highest-paid signal-caller in the league at $64 million per year when his reworked contract is active next year. Not to forget, Stroud still has a long way to go to catch up with Mahomes, who has three Super Bowl wins and several MVP awards under his belt. 

Given that, Stroud will have to agree to a figure that seems to be realistic based on what he is bringing to the table. According to Spotrac, Stroud’s projected market value stands at a three-year, $154.8 million extension added to the final two years of his rookie deal. His projected average annual salary will be $51.6 million.

Fans, however, are not too happy about the $70 million projection.

“I’m sorry, but he isn’t worth $70 million, and these quarterbacks are going to ruin the NFL,” one fan said. “They have to create an entirely different market. I know you get paid to play, but this is ridiculous. Stroud hasn’t proven himself in the last two playoff games.”

“$55 million would have him tied as the 3rd highest paid player in the NFL. $70 million would be $6.9 million a year more than the current highest paid player. So, his expectation is to be paid the highest in the NFL after that playoff performance?” another wrote.

“I will never watch another Houston offense play again if they sign that goof to anything above 50 mil early this season,” a skeptic wrote.

“Lmao well yea, aightttt CJ,” another user commented. “That man been hella mid since his rookie year.”

“Respectfully disagree,” one fan said. 

We will have to wait and watch for where CJ Stroud ends up come 2027.