ESPN casts doubt on C.J. Stroud's Texans future after Patriots loss

Adam Schultz

ESPN casts doubt on C.J. Stroud's Texans future after Patriots loss image

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had a chance to really make a name for himself in the divisional round of the playoffs against the New England Patriots.

And he did. Just not in the way he wanted.

In the first half of the 28-16 loss, Stroud threw a whopping four interceptions and, in general, looked shaky against Mike Vrabel's defense.

And that continued all game as the Texans saw their season end.

And for ESPN's Dan Graziano, Stroud's future in Houston, despite what DeMeco Ryans' comments, is on shaky ground.

"Teams rush into these deals far too often (hello, Dolphins!) And end up regretting them," Graziano wrote. "I'm just not understanding the need to rush a Stroud extension after what we saw Sunday (and last Monday) and while Houston still has at least four more years of team control."

More: Texans' DeMeco Ryans reveals 5-word message to C.J. Stroud after INT-filled half vs. Patriots

Would Texans move on from Stroud?

They could. But they likely won't.

With Stroud still under contract next season, plus the franchise's ability to tag him, they still have a lot of control over his future.

But the big question is, why haven't we seen the Stroud in his rookie season? 

He's thrown for fewer yards in each season and fewer touchdowns as well.

Something is happening, and I agree with Graziano, just wait before paying Stroud huge money.

Next season will tell us a lot, because right now, C.J. Appears to be going backward instead of forward.

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Contributing Writer