Texans face expensive contract decisions for C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson

Billy Heyen

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Texans face expensive contract decisions for C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson image

The Houston Texans had an exciting start to the 2023 NFL Draft.

With the No. 2 overall pick, they took C.J. Stroud. And then right back with the No. 3 pick, they snagged Will Anderson.

Both have shown signs of stardom, particularly this season for Anderson.

Both are eligible for contract extensions this offseason, presenting Houston with some serious decisions to make.

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Quarterback and pass rusher are the two most well compensated positions in the NFL, too, so the Texans might have to open their checkbooks wide.

"This season, Anderson has had the fifth-most tackles for loss (16) and ninth-most sacks (10.5) in the league," ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime wrote on Tuesday. "The No. 3 pick in 2023 is expected to get an extension, one year after Derek Stingley Jr. Became the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history on a three-year, $90 million deal. Quarterback C.J. Stroud -- the No. 2 pick in 2023 -- is also eligible for an extension this offseason."

Anderson's case is probably more straightforward than Stroud's. He's become more and more dominant each season, and this year, he's leading a defense than is as scary as any in football.

Stroud, on the other hand, shone brightly as a rookie but hasn't always looked to be quite the same player in these two seasons that have followed. It's hard for a team to even consider getting rid of a quality QB, but it could also be hard to reach agreement on an extension value for Stroud right out of the gate.

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It's a good problem for the Texans to have, though. They appear to have pretty much gotten those two picks right.

If they can get the contract extensions right, too, they'll be set up for years to come.

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Editorial Team