C.J. Stroud wants to be paid like one of the leagues best hurlers, but the question as to whether he has done enough remains.Stroud enters his fourth season as quarterback for the Houston Texans and his tenure so far has been marred by inconsistency.Stroud and the Texans begin their 2026 campaign at home to the Buffalo Bills on SundayGettyStroud’s incredible rookie season set a high standard for the Ohio State product, throwing for 4,108 yards with 23 touchdowns in 2023 and claiming Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.However, in the two years since, he has a combined 6,768 yards, 39 touchdowns and 20 interceptions, performance which has clearly left the franchise wondering if he is their long-term man.The Texans and Stroud have a significant gap in valuations, with ESPN host Jeremy Branham reporting the quarterback is seeking $70m annually, while the Texans are sitting at $50-$55m.The franchise and Stroud have since agreed to wait until after the season to resume extension talks.NFL Weekly Newsletter - SIGN UP!talkSPORT is your home for NFL in the UK as we launch our biggest year of coverage yet!2026 promises to be an epic year for NFL on talkSPORT – and we want you to join us for the ride.MORE INFO & SIGN-UP HERE!This season will be our biggest ever with live commentary of 90+ games, including behind-the-scenes access to international games and all three London fixtures, plus bumper coverage of Super Bowl 61 at SoFi Stadium.Exclusive interviews, hard-hitting opinion, latest front-office drama and top breaking news – all delivered straight to your inbox each week.On talkSPORT’s Inside the NFL show, senior US reporter Brian T. Smith offered a stark assessment of Houston’s franchise quarterback, warning the front office against making a costly mistake.“I don’t understand why the Texans would financially commit themselves at maximum level at this moment to C.J. Stroud,” Smith said on talkSPORT’s Inside the NFL. “I would not do that if I was the GM of the Houston Texans. I don’t think it’s smart long term.“Ultimately, the quarterback has to get it done, it’s the most cutthroat league in the world and C.J. Stroud has simply regressed and he hasn’t been good enough. “Stroud against the New England Patriots in the playoffs last year was absolutely horrific. The Texans did not advance because C.J. Stroud was not good enough.“It’s all on the line right now because you know your defense can be in the Super Bowl, if your quarterback isn’t good enough you have a problem.“C.J. Stroud has to prove it this year or the Texans will have to move on. You can’t have everything right and be held back by the quarterback. “If the Jaguars win the division, if the Texans can’t win a playoff game, if Stroud has another meh season, you are a fool to extend him.”Stroud dazzled in his rookie season, but two uneven seasons have sparked doubt on his future with the franchiseGettyThe Texans as a whole have been playing well, though, led by one of the league’s best defenses, which has seen Houston make the postseason in each of Stroud’s first three seasons.In 2025, Stroud secured the franchise’s first road playoff victory with a win over Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his performances have been far from dominant.He has turned the ball over at a high rate and failed to advance past the divisional round.By putting contract talks on hold, Houston has effectively placed the ball entirely in Stroud’s court for Year four.In year four, Stroud must prove he belongs in the same conversation as the league’s highest paid QB’s.GettyIf Stroud wants to command a market-resetting $70 million payday, he won’t just need to perform in the regular season.He will have to prove he can carry the Texans past the divisional wall and deliver on the massive promise of his rookie year.Join talkSPORT’s dedicated US Sports YouTube channelevery Tuesday and Thursday for our brand new NFL shows. On Tuesdays Will Gavin andUS senior reporter Brian T Smithwill debate the biggest talking points from the NFL weekend, while on Thursdays Efe Obada joins the crew to talk with players past and present and break down what to look for across the league