The AFC South will be much more competitive in 2026, even with the Tennessee Titans still looking like they might need more time to get it together. Notably, the Houston Texans' hard-hitting defense will have plenty to do with that.
The offense, however, might not pose much of a threat to the Indianapolis Colts. Their offensive line is a big question mark; their wide receiver corps is decimated, their running back situation is suspect, and their quarterback has regressed every season.
Nevertheless, C.J. Stroud hasn't let his struggles break his stride. ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler reported that he'll turn down a contract extension that will pay him upwards of $50 million a year, a head-scratching decision that will certainly make Colts fans crack a smile.
The Indianapolis Colts shouldn't be afraid of C.J. Stroud
Back in 2023, it looked like the league was in trouble. Stroud took the NFL by storm, throwing for 4,108 yards with 23 scores and just five interceptions. His numbers have looked far worse in every season, and his struggles with ball security and decision-making in the playoffs cast big doubts about his status as a franchise-caliber guy.
He looked like a superstar in the making, but it now seems that the Colts actually have the best quarterback in the game. And while betting on himself is noble and makes sense in an ever-growing quarterback market, the lack of self-awareness is just hilarious.
The Texans picked up his fifth-year option, so they still have him under contract for a couple of years, and they won't negotiate another deal during the season. That means he'll essentially be playing for his financial future in 2026.
Nothing motivates a player more than a contract year. In normal circumstances, that should keep the rest of the division up at night. But after watching Stroud drop the ball (both literally and figuratively) in almost every high-stakes situation since he entered the league, this has the makings of a disaster.
The Texans might have the best defense in the game, but the lingering questions on offense might only get worse with Stroud getting on his own head. This might be the break the Colts need to get back on top of the division.
The Colts know a thing or two about a strong team being held back by mediocre quarterback play; it's been their post-Andrew Luck curse. But with Daniel Jones back to full strength, they might finally break that spell.
Stroud's situation is a win-win case for Shane Steichen's team. He can either play poorly and regret not taking the money when he could, or he can play just well enough to force the Texans' hand to commit big bucks to a player who may simply not have what it takes to get them over the hump.
For now, the Colts ought to focus on what they can control, and that includes exposing Stroud's glaring limitations in Weeks 3 and 11.
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