Stroud burst onto the scene as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, posting a standout rookie year with 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 167 rushing yards with three rushing scores across 15 games. Those numbers earned him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and a Pro Bowl berth.
Since then, Stroud’s trajectory has cooled. He delivered a four-interception performance in Houston’s playoff defeat to New England, and observers highlight accuracy issues and increasing turnovers. The Texans’ defense has helped keep the team playoff-contending, but questions remain about the offense’s ability to reach its rookie-year ceiling.
Brown’s message was unequivocal. On a football-focused show, the lineman stated he expects Stroud to get better and lead with even more authority as he approaches this offseason with a different mindset.
Looking ahead, 2026 is essentially Stroud’s contract-year in practical terms. If he regains his rookie form, Houston could reward him with a substantial extension; if not, the front office may face difficult long-term decisions about his future with the franchise.
Offseason changes reflect an effort to support that turnaround. Houston has reworked the offensive line again and added running back David Montgomery to bolster the rushing attack, steps meant to create a more complete offense around Stroud and unlock his full potential.
