The Texans are trying to quiet the chatter.
While in Indianapolis for the Scouting Combine, general manager Nick Caserio called any trade speculation that is swirling around his quarterback C.J. Stroud “moronic.”
Caserio went on to emphasize the Texans are “not trading C.J.”
“He’s our quarterback,” Caserio said in video captured by Houston’s KPRC. “He ain’t going anywhere. We have a lot of confidence, a lot of belief. The philosophy (coach DeMeco Ryans) and I have, we’re going to support our players and do everything we can to help them.”
While the Texans have advanced to the Divisional Round of the playoffs in each of Stroud’s three years under center, the 24-year-old had a rough end to last season.
He threw four interceptions in Houston’s playoff loss to the Patriots in the first half, and the 28-16 loss cost the Texans what would have been the franchise’s first AFC Championship game appearance.
Stroud’s postseason performance, despite a 12-5 regular season, led to speculation that the Texans should consider making a drastic move.
Stroud, who is entering his fourth and final year on his rookie deal, is eligible for a contract extension.
However, Houston could opt to exercise their $27 million club option on the quarterback’s contract to lock him in for 2027 as its considers a longer extension.
“He have a lot of confidence in C.J.,” Caserio said. “We got a lot of confidence in our players. We’re glad he’s our quarterback.”
Stroud was drafted in the first round by the Texans out of Ohio State and was the Rookie of the Year.
He threw 4,108 yards for 28 touchdowns and five interceptions that season, and he was considered one of the best young quarterbacks in the league.
He has failed to take the next step and some have suggested that he has regressed since.
However, for now, Stroud seems to have a sense of security with the Texans after Caserio’s comments.