Is it time to trade CJ Stroud?
By: Jake Rajala
The Houston Texans have witnessed roller coaster play from their former Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud. He hasn’t been able to live up to his rookie showcase (which resulted in him winning OROY). Stroud threw for 20 touchdowns to 12 interceptions in 2024 and then 19 touchdowns to eight interceptions last season. He was 19th in passing touchdowns last season.
Not only has he failed to be prolific during the regular season, he hasn’t been able to shine on the big stage. He had eight total turnovers and 6 TDs with 6 ints in his 2025 playoff run.
This all raises a vital question: Should the Texans trade Stroud?
Honestly, I’d like to see them ship away Stroud. I wouldn’t say he’s a Top-16 QB right now. He can’t uplift the weapons around him. I’d say Davis Mills is of similar caliber as Stroud. Matter of fact, he may even be more talented than Stroud. After all, he went 3-0 last season! Mills is 27 years old, so he still has a lot of untapped potential.
The AFC South (Colts, Titans, and Jaguars) are all rebuilding at the QB spot. It’s the perfect time to pull the plug and find a new, true franchise QB.
I imagine that the Texans could get at least a second round pick for his services. They could turn that into a QB. We witnessed Tyler Shough rise up as a second round pick. Even Shedeur Sanders shined as a fifth round pick.
They could also flip the second round pick for the likes of Mac Jones. They could trade their second round pick for a weapon and then trade their late round pick for the likes of Spencer Rattler. They could move Stroud and another player for a quality QB.
Thankfully, the Texans haven’t broke the bank for Stroud. If they paid Stroud a hefty amount of money and if he played like a below average QB, it may feel like the Brock Osweiler situation again. Of course, they had to trade Osweiler, a sixth round pick, and a “second round pick” for a fourth round pick.
So, what would it take for the Texans to hold onto Stroud? I’d like to see them win a playoff game with him. I’m not impressed by him winning their division and “making the playoffs”. He has a Top-5 defense, so it’s expected for him to come out top of the “AFC South”. I need to see him take the next step in the playoffs. Well, they coughed up 28 points in the divisional round. Josh Allen and his offense also unleashed 30 points against the Broncos. Stroud needs to understand that a defense can’t carry him in the playoffs.
Even when the Ravens had an elite defense with Ray Lewis, they scored 34 points, 28, and 38 points in their last three playoff games.
Tua Tagovailoa failed to win a playoff game with the Miami Dolphins. This led to his demise. Kirk Cousins also went 1-3 in the playoffs. Perhaps they can reach out to Nick Foles about the formula to shine in the playoffs.
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