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Houston Texans Reach Contract Extension With C.J. Stroud’s Most Reliable Target in Nearly $20 Million Deal

HOUSTON — As the NFL offseason begins to heat up, the front office of the Houston Texans has moved quickly to secure one of the most important pieces of its offense. The team has reached a contract extension agreement with tight end Dalton Schultz, widely considered one of quarterback C.J. Stroud’s most dependable targets, in a deal worth nearly $20 million.

According to league sources, Schultz signed a one-year extension worth $12.6 million, bringing his total guaranteed money across the 2026 and 2027 seasons to $17.6 million. The agreement allows Houston to keep a key veteran presence in an offense that has rapidly grown into one of the most promising young units in the league.

Since arriving in Houston in 2023 after five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Schultz has quickly become an integral part of the Texans’ offensive system. His ability to run precise routes, create separation in short and intermediate areas, and consistently make tough catches has turned him into a reliable safety valve whenever Stroud needs a critical completion.

Last season, Schultz recorded 82 receptions for 777 yards and 3 touchdowns, leading the Texans in targets while finishing second on the team in receptions and receiving yards behind wide receiver Nico Collins. His consistency played a major role in helping Stroud maintain offensive rhythm throughout the year.

Beyond his production as a receiver, Schultz also significantly improved his blocking last season, becoming a more complete tight end within Houston’s offensive scheme. His versatility has made him one of the most valuable all-around tight ends on the Texans’ roster.

Following the Texans’ AFC Divisional Playoff loss to the New England Patriots, Schultz even stepped forward publicly to shoulder responsibility after he exited the game early due to injury, defending Stroud from criticism and emphasizing the importance of accountability within the locker room.

By keeping Schultz in Houston, the Texans are sending a clear message about the direction of their offense. The organization intends to continue building around Stroud and the players who have helped stabilize the team’s attack in recent seasons. If the chemistry between Stroud and Schultz continues to grow, Houston could enter the upcoming season with legitimate hopes of pushing deeper into the playoff race.

Texans Make a Key Decision with Left Tackle as He Speaks Out, Ready to Shine Under Trent Brown’s Confidence – Revealing What Needs to Improve for Houston in the 2026 Season
Houston, Texas The Houston Texans are placing big trust in Aireontae Ersery, their second-year left tackle, as the team prepares for the 2026 season. With support from Trent Brown – the veteran player on the team – Ersery has confidently spoken out, declaring he’s ready to shine, improve his skills, and grow stronger this season. However, to become a reliable asset on the Texans' offensive line, Ersery will need to improve on some key areas in his game. Trent Brown, the veteran offensive lineman for the Texans, has expressed his full confidence in Ersery’s potential. After joining the team with a one-year, $7 million deal for 2026, Brown shared that he sees a lot of himself in Ersery and believes that Ersery has the ability to achieve great success in his career. Brown stated, "I see a lot of myself in him. The sky is not the limit for him. I think he can have as much success as he wants in this league, and he has the opportunity to be here for a really long time." Areas Ersery Needs to Improve to Meet Expectations While Ersery showed positive signs in his rookie season, there are areas where he still needs to improve in order to become a top-tier left tackle. In the 2025 season, Ersery was ranked 58th among NFL tackles with a score of 58.9 from PFF and had a low grade for run blocking (51.8). Additionally, he struggled with penalties, recording 11 flags, which was the 9th-worst among 89 eligible tackles. Ersery also allowed 8 sacks throughout the season, the most on the Texans' offensive line. Ersery’s Development is Crucial for the Texans Despite these areas for improvement, Ersery remains a highly valuable asset for the Texans. With his physical traits and the potential for growth, Ersery has the opportunity to strengthen his pass protection and reduce penalties. If he can address these issues, Ersery will play a key role in improving the offensive line, providing more options for quarterback C.J. Stroud, and making the Texans’ offense stronger. The 2026 Season: A Defining Year for Aireontae Ersery The 2026 season will be a pivotal moment in Ersery’s career. He has immense potential and a chance to prove himself as an indispensable part of the Texans' offensive line. His personal growth will be crucial to the team's overall success, helping the team prepare for a competitive and challenging season ahead.

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