The Houston Texans locked up new franchise pivot C.J. Stroud Monday, signing the rookie to a four-year, $36.3 million deal, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report.
Rapoport reports that the deal includes a $23.38 million signing bonus and that the contract is all fully guaranteed.
Houston selected Stroud with the second-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Ohio State product will now be tasked with leading a rebuilding Texans squad back to relevance.
The Texans finished last season with a 3-13-1 record and have not made the playoffs since the 2019-20 season.
Stroud led the Buckeyes to back-to-back 11-2 seasons during his college career, but lost to Michigan twice. Ohio State made it to the College Football Playoff last season but lost to eventual national champion Georgia 42-41 in the semifinals, a game in which Stroud threw four TD passes.
The 21-year-old was a Heisman Trophy finalist in both seasons. He amassed more than 8,000 passing yards and threw 85 touchdowns. He is the holder of 16 Ohio State offensive records.
-- With files from Associated Press
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