“I’d Be Offended” – Skip Bayless Questions Texans Paying Will Anderson Jr. Before CJ Stroud

“I’d Be Offended” – Skip Bayless Questions Texans Paying Will Anderson Jr. Before CJ Stroud

CJ Stroud and Skip Bayless inside the circle (Image via IMAGO/X)

In Short
  • Houston Texans signed Will Anderson Jr. to a three-year, $150 million extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
  • Skip Bayless criticized the Texans for prioritizing Anderson's contract over CJ Stroud, suggesting Stroud should feel offended.
  • Texans GM Nick Caserio expressed confidence in Stroud's mindset despite his recent struggles, emphasizing the challenges of the quarterback position.

Nine days after exercising Will Anderson Jr.’s fifth-year option, the Houston Texans agreed on a three-year, $150 million contract extension with $134 million guaranteed with the All-Pro defensive end, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Skip Bayless boldly claimed that CJ Stroud should be offended by the Texans choosing to pay Anderson instead of him, the club’s franchise quarterback.

On the recent segment of the Arena Gridiron, Bayless raved about Stroud’s rookie year. Stroud undeniably capped off one of the greatest rookie campaigns in modern-day football. He registered 4108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions on 319 completions in 15 games. It wasn’t quite in the same ballpark as Jayden Daniels and Justin Herbert’s first years in the league, but without a doubt gave Texans fans a lot to cheer about.

However, Stroud’s numbers have plummeted ever since. The following two seasons, Stroud completed a combined 6700+ yards, 39 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. These are not the numbers of a franchise quarterback.

To defend Stroud’s regression, Bayless pointed fingers at the Texans’ offensive line, which ranked 31st and 24th, respectively. Stroud was sacked 52 times (the Bears’ Caleb Williams led the league as the most sacked quarterback in 2024), fumbling 6 times and losing possession 4 times. He took fewer sacks (23) and fumbled the ball only twice the following season.

That being said, there’s one common theme that connects Stroud’s three seasons. He just can not seem to overcome postseason jitters. Last season, he threw four interceptions in the divisional playoff game against the New England Patriots.

Anderson, on the other hand, has been a pillar of the Texans’ defense. In 46 games since entering the league as the third overall pick, Anderson Jr. has registered 136 combined tackles, 46 TFLs, three forced fumbles, three fumble returns, defended three passes, one touchdown, and 30.0 sacks. The Alabama Crimson Tide alum won Defensive Rookie of the Year, was named to the Pro Bowl twice, and earned All-Pro honors for his performance during the 2025 season.

That’s precisely the reason the Texans decided to lock Anderson down to a long-term contract instead of Stroud. To make matters worse, the Texans remain conflicted whether they should exercise Stroud’s fifth-year option, which clearly indicates that they want the Ohio State alum to improve his numbers if he wants a big payday.

Bayless claimed that if he were in Stroud’s shoes, he would be offended with Anderson getting the bag ahead of him.

If I were CJ Stroud, I would be offended… Has he shown me plenty enough to be their [Texans] franchise quarterback who gives you chance to win next year’s Super Bowl? I do, so, why would you pay Will Anderson first? I didn’t get it.

Skip Bayless said
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Texans general manager gives positive update on CJ Stroud’s elite mindset

Nick Caserio spent two decades in the New England Patriots’ ranks, taking home six rings. The Texans poached him in 2021 and made him the club’s GM and executive vice president.

"I'd Be Offended" - Skip Bayless Questions Texans Paying Will Anderson Jr. Before CJ Stroud
CJ Stroud (Image via IMAGO)

Caserio pulled off a historical trade with the Carolina Panthers, handing the NFC South the 2023 first overall draft pick and acquiring the second, third, and a couple of late-rounders as compensation.

He used the second overall pick to draft Stroud. So, he understands Stroud better than most. After the latest playoff drubbing, Stroud appeared slightly lost.

However, Caserio believes that the 24-year-old has an elite mindset and will pull through this difficult juncture.

[CJ’s] confidence really doesn’t waver. Playing in this position, you’re going to have good plays. You’re going to have bad plays. It comes with the territory. It’s the hardest position to play in sports, and there’s going to be ups and downs that come along with it. I think the one thing about C.J., he has a lot of belief and confidence in himself.

Nick Caserio said on the Up & Adams Show

To give better protection to Stroud, Caserio drafted a couple of guards, Georgia’s Keylan Rutledge at 26th overall, and Oklahoma’s Febechi Nwaiwu at 106th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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