Could the Steelers Really Land C.J. Stroud? One Analyst Says Keep Watching.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are rolling into the 2026 season with Aaron Rodgers under center, and by all accounts this is it for the four-time MVP. He’s said it himself. This is his last NFL season. So the question hanging over Pittsburgh is obvious: who comes next?

One writer thinks the answer could be C.J. Stroud.

Jarrett Bailey of SB Nation recently pointed out that the Steelers should keep an eye on what’s happening between Stroud and the Houston Texans. And there’s some smoke there. According to ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime, Stroud and the Texans aren’t close on a contract extension as of late June. That’s a big deal for a guy who was supposed to be the franchise cornerstone.

The Money Problem in Houston

Here’s the tricky part. The Texans picked up Stroud’s fifth-year option, so he’s under contract through at least next season. That means any team wanting him would have to trade for him. But the real issue is the money. Bien-Aime reported that Stroud’s extension could land somewhere between $55 million and $60 million per year. That’s top-of-the-market quarterback money. And after a playoff performance that saw Stroud throw four interceptions against the Patriots in the divisional round, Houston might be feeling a little hesitant.

That game was brutal. Stroud looked rattled. The Texans got crushed. And it happened to come against the Steelers in the 2025 playoffs — which turned out to be Mike Tomlin’s last game as Pittsburgh’s head coach. So there’s history here.

What Pittsburgh Looks Like Right Now

The Steelers have a new head coach in Mike McCarthy, who obviously knows Rodgers from their time together in Green Bay. Behind Rodgers on the depth chart? Rookie Drew Allar, second-year guy Will Howard, and Mason Rudolph. That’s a lot of inexperience. If Pittsburgh wants a long-term answer, they need someone better than what they’ve got in the building.

Stroud would be a massive get. He led the Texans to that playoff win over Pittsburgh in the first place. He’s young, talented, and has shown he can handle big moments — even if last postseason ended badly. But the price tag is steep, both in draft capital and salary cap space.

For now, it’s just chatter. But it’s worth watching. If Houston and Stroud can’t bridge that gap, the Steelers could be one of the few teams willing to make a serious run at him.