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Three years ago, it looked like the Indianapolis Colts would be in trouble for a long time. C.J. Stroud looked like a superstar in the making for the Houston Texans, earning a Pro Bowl nod and passing for over 4,000 yards with just five picks as a rookie. <\/p>\n
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Notably, the former No. 2 pick has failed to come close to those numbers in the following seasons. He’s held the offense back more often than not, and he’s dangerously approaching one-year wonder territory.<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Considering that, it’s not much of a surprise to hear that the AFC South rivals are on the fence about potentially giving him a contract extension. Per The Athletic<\/em>‘s (subscription required) Mike Jones, they’re taking a ‘wait-and-see’ approach <\/a>with him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n “While Houston did pick up Stroud\u2019s fifth-year option (for 2027) this spring, the lack of playoff success has given the Texans pause in awarding the quarterback a long-term contract extension,” <\/strong><\/em>Jone wrote.<\/strong> “….They\u2019re taking a wait-and-see approach. The Texans need to see more from him this season before committing to him for the long term and making him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL.”<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Colts haven’t necessarily fared well against Stroud, so they would certainly benefit from his departure. He’s got a 5-1 record in six career games vs. the Colts, logging 1,612 yards, eight touchdowns, and just one interception. That said, only one of those wins came against a fully healthy Colts squad, so those numbers should be taken with a grain of salt. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Shane Steichen’s team won’t have to wait long for their first divisional matchup. They’ll host Stroud and the Texans in Week 3, giving them a perfect opportunity to cast even more doubts on whether they should keep their quarterback for the long run.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nThe Indianapolis Colts can end the C.J. Stroud era this season<\/h2>\n