Terms of CJ Stroud's rookie contract revealed after officially signing with Houston Texans

The ink is drying and one thing is official, CJ Stroud is the face of the Houston Texans.

The former Ohio State superstar, who the franchise drafted with the second overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, finally signed his rookie contract on Monday, setting in motion a new era in Houston.

“The #Texans and QB CJ Stroud, their No. 2 overall pick, have agreed to terms on his four-year rookie contract, and he gets $36.3M overall with a signing bonus of $23.38M, all fully guaranteed,” tweeted NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “He gets his entire signing bonus up front, a first for Houston.”

Moreover, Stroud was one of the final first round picks to sign their deal, as only two remain unsigned at the moment, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, and Seattle Seahawks defensive back Devon Witherspoon, who were selected fourth and fifth overall respectively. Both teams are reporting to training camp on Tuesday, so something could get done between now and then.

As for Stroud, the Texans have continually shown their enthusiasm for having him as their quarterback, and their hefty signing bonus for the former Ohio State quarterback is more proof of that. After searching far and wide for a quarterback, Houston finally has their own.

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Stroud’s new teammates are already taking notice, as Texans offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil recently revealed his perspective on the rookie quarterback.

“Man, you should have seen how he came in the building,” Tunsil said. “He came in the building already a leader. He voices himself in the huddles. He’s one of those guys that’s like, ‘Yo, I’m going to lead, and y’all just follow me.’ That’s what we’re doing, It’s not surprising at all.”

Continuing, Stroud has the accolades to back up his confidence. The two-time Heisman Trophy finalist set 16 Ohio State passing and total offense records, and an additional three Big Ten records during his three years with the Buckeyes.

Additionally, Stroud led the nation in pass efficiency rating in 2022 (177.7) and was second in 2021 (186.6). That efficiency led to high-scoring affairs. Stroud ranked second nationally in TD passes in 2022 (41) and third in 2021 (44).

According to Click2Houston, Stroud feels good about his standing with the Texans, and he’s ready to roll as a rookie.

“I feel like I’ve done well,” Stroud said, during an autograph signing and appearance at the newly-opened Dick’s House of Sport in Katy. “(Organized team activities and minicamp) was something I wanted to just put my best in and just be a great leader as well as a great player, soak in the playbook, soak in coaching and be as best I can.

“I think that was a good start, a good routine to get into training camp and do better there.”

The future is bright in Houston, and CJ Stroud could take the Texans to a new level, as soon as this upcoming season.