C.J. Stroud’s four-year $36.3 million rookie contract ($23.4M signing bonus, fully guaranteed) provides Houston unprecedented quarterback value through 2027 enabling aggressive talent acquisition.
The 2023 Offensive Rookie of Year carries just $8.24 million cap hit representing 2.9% of team’s $279.2 million ceiling creating financial flexibility unmatched among contenders.
Houston operates with $6.56 million available space after committing $206.4 million to Top 51 players.
Laremy Tunsil leads roster at $25 million AAV through three-year $75M extension making him NFL’s highest-paid tackle when signed April 2022.
Houston Texans player biography and net worth information available for complete roster.
| Quarterbacks (QB) | Running Backs (RB) | Wide Receivers (WR) |
| C.J. Stroud | Joe Mixon | Nico Collins |
| Davis Mills | Nick Chubb | Christian Kirk |
| Graham Mertz | Dameon Pierce | Jayden Higgins |
| Woody Marks | Jaylin Noel | |
| Dare Ogunbowale | John Metchie III | |
| Justin Watson | ||
| Xavier Hutchinson | ||
| Xavier Johnson | ||
| Johnny Johnson III | ||
| Braxton Berrios | ||
| Jared Wayne | ||
| Folorunso Fatukasi |
Stroud Value Creates Championship Window
Second overall pick’s $8.24M cap charge enables elite veteran additions including Stefon Diggs ($24.9M cap hit via restructure), Joe Mixon ($9.41M), and Danielle Hunter ($16.8M) surrounding franchise quarterback with proven playmakers.
| Player | Position | 2025 Cap Hit | Total Deal | Earnings to Date | Contract Through |
| Laremy Tunsil | LT | $31.77M | $75M extension | $95M+ career | 2026 |
| Stefon Diggs | WR | $24.9M | Restructured | $137.4M career | 2026 |
| Danielle Hunter | EDGE | $16.8M | $49M (2yr) | $115M+ career | 2025 |
| Derek Stingley Jr | CB | $12.03M | 5th-year option | $28M+ | 2025 (extension talks) |
| Tytus Howard | RT | $11.58M | $53.75M (4yr) | $42M+ | 2026 |
| Dalton Schultz | TE | $6.21M | $36M (3yr) | $48M+ career | 2026 |
| Joe Mixon | RB | $9.41M | Trade acquisition | $65M+ career | 2026 |
| Will Anderson Jr | EDGE | $9.6M | $35.4M rookie | $19M+ | 2027 |
| C.J. Stroud | QB | $8.24M | $36.3M rookie | $26.5M earned | 2027 (5th-year option) |
| Nico Collins | WR | $8.58M | $72.75M extension | $22M+ | 2028 |
Tunsil’s $31.77M represents NFL’s highest tackle cap charge after 2024 restructure converted salary to bonus. His self-representation in negotiations secured $50M guaranteed resetting position market before Penei Sewell ($28M AAV) and Tristan Wirfs ($28.125M) surpassed him.
Diggs’ trade from Buffalo created $31.1M Bills dead cap (highest WR history) yet costs Houston just $24.9M via restructure. His $60 million net worth accumulated through $137.4M career earnings ranks among NFL’s wealthiest receivers.
Stroud’s $12M Net Worth Foundation
Twenty-four-year-old quarterback built $12 million wealth through $26.5M earned over two rookie seasons. Jordan Brand and Cheetos endorsements generate $1-2M annually beyond football salary projecting $50M+ net worth by 2028 fifth-year option decision.
| Player | Est. Net Worth | Career Earnings | Age | Endorsements/Investments |
| Stefon Diggs | $60M | $137.4M | 32 | Nike, regional brands |
| Laremy Tunsil | $40M-$50M | $95M+ | 31 | Self-representation savings |
| Joe Mixon | $25M-$35M | $65M+ | 29 | – |
| Danielle Hunter | $35M-$45M | $115M+ | 30 | – |
| C.J. Stroud | $12M | $26.5M | 24 | Jordan, Cheetos, Foundation |
Stroud’s CJ Stroud Foundation focuses on youth development demonstrating off-field leadership. His $23.4 million signing bonus paid upfront created immediate $15M+ post-tax wealth establishing financial security before second contract negotiations.
Hunter’s $115M+ career total includes $64M earned during eight Vikings seasons (2015-2023) plus $51M Texans commitment. His two-year $49M deal averages $24.5M annually providing elite pass rush (league-high 16.5 sacks 2024) at premium yet manageable cost.
Tight Cap Requires Creative Accounting
Houston’s $6.56M flexibility ranks 28th NFL limiting midseason acquisition capability. Schultz restructure ($9.75M conversion) freed immediate space while extending dead cap obligation through 2029 void years demonstrating aggressive win-now mentality.
Restructure Candidates: Tunsil ($31.77M), Diggs ($24.9M), Howard ($11.58M) conversions can generate $15-20M relief if playoff push requires reinforcement.
2026 Outlook: Projected $38.2M available with 35 players under contract providing Derek Stingley Jr extension runway ($15-18M AAV projected) locking elite cornerback through prime years.
Dead Money Minimal: Just $7.4M total (2.6% of cap) provides clean books unlike Browns ($60.87M) or Patriots ($66.1M) enabling sustainable contender construction.
Stroud’s ascending cap hits ($9.89M in 2026, $11.54M in 2027) maintain value through third year before fifth-year option ($23M+ estimated) triggers 2027 offseason. Market-rate extension projected $50-55M AAV beginning 2028 creating urgency to maximize 2025-2027 championship window.
Diggs Trade: Bills’ Loss, Texans’ Gain
Buffalo absorbed $31.1M dead cap (2024) eliminating Diggs’ $27.8M charge while Houston structured three-year commitment at $24.9M annually. His 1,183 yards and 29-catch playoff performance (2024 season) validated trade despite age-32 concerns.
Remaining Guarantees: $28.05M signing bonus spread through 2026 creates two-year partnership before potential release saves $18M+ if production declines.
Texans received fourth-round compensation (140th overall, Jared Wiley TE selected) plus established #1 receiver pairing with Stroud. Tank Dell’s season-ending injury elevated Diggs’ importance justifying $60M investment over final competitive years.
FAQs
Who is Houston’s highest-paid player?
Laremy Tunsil carries $31.77M 2025 cap hit ($25M AAV through 2026) leading all Texans. His three-year $75M self-negotiated extension features $50M guaranteed making him NFL’s highest-paid tackle when signed April 2022 surpassing Trent Williams ($23M) and David Bakhtiari ($23M).
What is C.J. Stroud’s rookie contract worth?
Stroud signed four-year $36.3M fully guaranteed deal (#2 overall 2023) featuring $23.4M signing bonus creating $8.24M annual cap hit through 2027. Fifth-year option decision ($23M+ projected) comes 2027 offseason before market-rate extension ($50-55M AAV estimated) beginning 2028.
How much cap space do Texans have?
Houston maintains $6.56M available (28th NFL) after Top 51 commitments total $206.4M. Restructure options for Tunsil ($31.77M), Diggs ($24.9M), Howard ($11.58M) can generate $15-20M immediate relief while 2026 projects $38.2M available enabling Stingley extension.
What is Stefon Diggs’ net worth?
Diggs’ $60M wealth stems from $137.4M career earnings over 11 seasons (Vikings $42M, Bills $66M, Texans $29.4M). His trade from Buffalo created NFL-record $31.1M dead cap yet provides Houston elite veteran production at $24.9M annual cost through 2026.
Which Texans players are extension candidates?
Derek Stingley Jr (5th-year option $12.03M expiring 2025) tops priority list with $15-18M AAV projected cornerback market. Will Anderson Jr enters extension window 2026 as elite edge defender, Nico Collins locked through $72.75M deal signed September 2024.
