7. Why did C.J. Stroud wait to sign?
Stroud was the last Texans rookie to sign. And unlike with minicamp and OTAs, CBA rules don’t allow rookies to participate in training camp if their contracts aren't finalized. After Stroud agreed on Monday, six other first-round picks, including Anthony Richardson and Devon Witherspoon, are unsigned.
The first-round signing bonus, total value and guarantee are already slotted for draft picks, but agents can still negotiate over when a player is paid his signing bonuses. That’s what the delay was for Stroud, who will get his full bonus up front.
Last season, Stingley had 80 percent of his signing bonus paid within 15 days of signing. The other 20 percent was paid on or before Dec. 15, according to a source.
Stroud’s contract is projected to be a four-year, $36.279 million deal with a $23.38 million signing bonus, according to Spotrac. He’s expected to have a $6.6 million salary cap hit for the 2023 season.
Texans rookies are expected to arrive Tuesday, the same day as veterans. The first practice begins Wednesday.
8. Will Stroud be the starter?
The rookie quarterback will enter camp in a tie with Davis Mills for the starting job. The expectation is that Stroud will win out.
He was impressive at minicamp and in OTAs. His teammates have been impressed with his leadership and preparation. They say he plays with confidence. Stroud recently hosted the receivers and tight ends in California for a throwing session. They got to know each other better and worked on their timing.
The biggest question is how soon the Texans would name Stroud the starter. They want him to earn the job. Stroud wants to earn it, too.
The first couple of preseason games will likely determine a lot. But the sooner his teammates know and he takes the majority of the first-team snaps, the better. It’ll be up to Stroud to stand out above Mills.