nbcsports
As the midpoint of their fourth NFL seasons approaches, quarterbacks Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers and C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans are still performing under the terms of their rookie contracts. The two were selected first and second overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, respectively, yet neither has signed a second contract, unlike several other first-round picks from that class who have already secured extensions.
For Stroud, a less impressive third season complicated negotiations, leading to a decision to proceed with his fourth season without a new deal. A Tuesday report from ESPN examined the preseason positions of both player and team. Key details included that the Texans offered a contract with a new-money value exceeding $50 million, and that Stroud did not seek to become the highest-paid quarterback in the league. Patrick Mahomes currently holds that distinction with an average annual value of $63.093 million. Although Houston has struggled to a 2-5 record in 2026, Stroud's performance has improved markedly, making a new deal closer to the top of the market likely after the current season. Theoretically, the two sides could still reach an agreement sooner.
From the player's perspective, there is always urgency to shift injury risk to the team, especially when the player assumes 60 minutes of injury risk 17 times over. Regarding Young, recent chatter suggests the Panthers are far along in negotiations for a second contract worth more than $50 million per year.
Key Analysis
Both Young and Stroud are under contract through 2027, with their fifth-year options already exercised, guaranteeing each $25.904 million in 2027. Absent new deals, the franchise tag becomes an option for 2028, but most teams prefer to make a final decision before then. The choice is essentially up or out: sign a new contract or find a new quarterback. Both players are eligible for new contracts at any time, and both teams seem intent on keeping them. The remaining questions are when the deals will be completed, what the new-money value will be, and most importantly, how the payments will be structured, particularly regarding guarantees.
Originally reported by nbcsports.