Texans QB C.J. Stroud makes abundantly clear what one of the front office's top priorities should be this offseason
It's time for the Houston Texans to start thinking about how their 2025 roster is going to shape up. Among the first decisions to be made is bringing back some of their own. The Texans have several key starters that are set to hit free agency this spring, such as cornerback Jeff Okudah, defensive end […]
It's time for the Houston Texans to start thinking about how their 2025 roster is going to shape up.
Among the first decisions to be made is bringing back some of their own. The Texans have several key starters that are set to hit free agency this spring, such as cornerback Jeff Okudah, defensive end Foley Fatukasi, safety Eric Murray, and wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
The biggest name on that list is Diggs, who Houston acquired via trade from the Buffalo Bills last offseason. Upon his arrival, the Texans voided the final three years of Diggs' contract. Diggs was off to a stellar start in 2024 before tearing his ACL in Week 8, costing him the rest of the season.
When asked about his thoughts on Diggs potentially returning to Houston next season, quarterback C.J. Stroud not only gave a resounding yes, but detailed his and Diggs' connection both on and off the field.
"That's my boy, I would love to have Stef back," Stroud said. "I think we were just getting started. You could see he was having so much fun. We had started to build a rapport. He wears his heart on his sleeve. And everything he does, I appreciate it. In a world of perfectness, in a world of not being weak, in a world of everything being perfect, he's wanting to tell you he's not [perfect]. I'm right there with him. I'm not perfect. I'm not the one to be up here to tell you how great I am. No, it's only about the grace and mercy of God that I am ever in this position. And he'll tell you the same. So to be around somebody like that who holds essential values is amazing."
"And for him to be vulnerable in public, it helps people that are going through things," Stroud continued. "I really hope people can really sit down and realize we are all going through things. It don't make it right if a person is on a pedestal is to get onto them or bash them for whatever they do. Of course, yeah, you have to be accountable for your actions, but we have to learn to give each other grace. And that's something that he taught me, is giving grace ain't easy, but is definitely necessary because the way you judge, God will judge you. And that's what I believe in. He's somebody who I would love to do all this whole thing back with."
Stroud and Diggs connected on 47 passes for 496 yards and three touchdowns during eight games in 2024. At 31-years-old and coming off a significant injury, Diggs may have to take a short-term deal, whether it's in Houston or somewhere else. However, if he can stay healthy and have another big year, he could secure one more big contract for the second half of his career.
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