Overview
- Houston exercised the fifth-year options Wednesday for quarterback C.J. Stroud and All-Pro edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., securing team control through 2027.
- The options carry fully guaranteed 2027 salaries of $25.904 million for Stroud and $21.512 million for Anderson, per ESPN and other outlets.
- Reporting in Houston indicates Anderson is the priority for a long-term deal this offseason after a 12-sack All-Pro campaign and runner-up finish for Defensive Player of the Year.
- The team will reassess Stroud in 2026 following two seasons of reduced production and a divisional loss to New England in which he threw four first-half interceptions.
- Fifth-year options for first-rounders guarantee a fifth season and buy negotiation time, and Houston moved ahead of the May 1 deadline to keep both stars extension-eligible.