HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts have secured promising rookie quarterbacks, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson, with lucrative, fully guaranteed contracts spanning four years.
According to an undisclosed source familiar with the matter, Stroud has inked a remarkable $36 million deal with the Houston Texans. However, the contract is yet to be officially announced, so the source preferred to remain anonymous.
Meanwhile, the fourth overall pick in the NFL draft, Anthony Richardson, has agreed to an impressive $34 million contract to join the Indianapolis Colts.
Stroud, selected as the second overall draft pick, is anticipated to step in as the replacement for Davis Mills, who faced struggles as the Houston Texans’ starting quarterback over the last two seasons. Mills struggled, resulting in a record of 5-22-1 in 28 games, including 26 starts, contributing to the Texans’ poor standing among NFL teams.
The Texans’ general manager, Nick Caserio, has expressed that Stroud will enter training camp with a chance to compete for the starting position.
On the other hand, the Indianapolis Colts are putting their faith in Richardson, the former standout from Florida, to bring long-term stability to the crucial quarterback position. Richardson was drafted after 2021 Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young and Stroud, but ahead of Kentucky’s Will Levis.
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 232 pounds, Richardson showcased impressive athleticism at the NFL combine, recording the fastest 40-yard dash time (4.43 seconds), along with the best vertical jump (40 1/2 inches) and broad jump (10 feet, 9 inches) among all quarterbacks.
The Colts had a challenging season with three different starting quarterbacks, ending with a 4-12-1 record. Now, the question is when Richardson will take over. During camp and preseason, the franchise will have to choose between veteran Gardner Minshew and Richardson to fill the starting role, aiming to find consistency after having six different starters in as many seasons.
The Colts firmly believe that Richardson has the potential to help them regain their status as playoff contenders and hope he can become the long-term solution they have been seeking since Andrew Luck’s surprising retirement in 2019.
In contrast to Richardson’s limited college experience, having started only 13 games and completing 53.8% of his passes in 2022, C.J. Stroud boasts an impressive track record as a two-year starter for Ohio State. During his time with the Buckeyes, he accumulated remarkable stats, throwing for 8,123 yards, 85 touchdowns, and a mere 12 interceptions, contributing to Ohio State’s outstanding 21-4 record. Notably, his 85 touchdowns in two seasons surpassed a Big Ten record previously held by Drew Brees.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 218 pounds, Stroud is the third quarterback to be selected in the first round by the Houston Texans, following Deshaun Watson, taken as the 12th overall pick in 2017, and David Carr, the team’s first draft pick and the top overall pick in 2002.
Houston made a notable coaching change this offseason by appointing former player DeMeco Ryans as their coach. However, the team has faced challenges in recent years, winning only 11 games combined over the past three seasons.
With Stroud’s proven performance and potential, the Texans are hopeful that he can make a significant impact and help steer the team towards better results in the upcoming seasons.
