Overview
- WR Nico Collins publicly urged C.J. Stroud not to let the Divisional Round loss define him, calling him “a baller” and “one freak of an athlete.”
- Stroud’s postseason ended with four interceptions and a 28.0 passer rating in a 28-16 defeat to New England after a Wild Card win over Pittsburgh.
- ESPN’s Dan Graziano predicted multi-year extensions this offseason—about four years, $224 million for Stroud and four years, $176 million for Will Anderson Jr.—as projections rather than team announcements.
- The NFL projected a 2026 salary cap of roughly $301–$306 million per club, while Spotrac lists Houston about $5.2 million over but outlines more than $54 million in potential savings via cuts and conversions.
- Houston is in the decision window on Stroud’s fifth-year option as leadership weighs long-term deals and roster upgrades after a 0-3 start turned into a 12-2 finish.