Texans Are More Than Just CJ
Chris Blanco the Texans AGM made it clear that the franchise isn’t building its championship aspirations around quarterback C.J. Stroud only. He stated that the Texans instead emphasize a comprehensive roster construction philosophy focused on “the best blend of the final 53 man roster , 90 people on our roster,” rather than “one specific position” or “one player”—even when the player is a franchise QB playing on a rookie deal.
Speaking on Tuesday’s episode of Ari Meirov’s NFL Spotlight podcast, Blanco replied to Meirov’s question regarding Houston’s advantageous position of “roster building [while] having a quarterback who’s really good but also on his rookie contract.” When Meirov asked about the Texans’ “strategy” and “philosophy as a front office,” Blanco was quick to shut down the premise of the question.
Blanco replied that the “best thing about [general manager] Nick [Caserio] and [head coach] DeMeco [Ryans], when they build a roster, it’s never solely focused on one player, be it a quarterback” or otherwise. Blanco continued, stating Houston’s focus was “bringing in highly competitive football players who are physically, mentally tough” with “a level of aggression in the way they play,” while also being positive influences in the locker room.
Blanco’s quick retort was notable, as such an approach would represent a departure from the general understanding that NFL teams should focus on maximizing the value of a quarterback’s rookie contract by adding talent to otherwise deficient areas of the roster.
Or perhaps the newly promoted assistant general manager—admittedly fresh off a return flight from an overseas family vacation—was simply ensuring his public statements aligned with the front office’s strict roster philosophy.
C.J. Stroud‘s value to the Houston Texans franchise is undeniable. Since 2023, coinciding with the hiring of Ryans, brought a quick change from the team’s prior performance. Houston has secured playoff berths in each of the last two seasons, ending a three-year period where the team went through four head coaches and compiled only 11 total wins .
With a record-breaking Offensive Rookie of the Year under His belt and consecutive playoff runs, Stroud quickly established the Texans as perennial contenders.
Originally posted on Houston Texans on SI
By Chris Wilson
