The Houston Texans entered the postseason believing their quarterback situation was firmly established. After two uneven playoff performances, a public suggestion from a former Super Bowl champion has reopened a discussion the organization did not expect to be having this offseason.
Should the Texans Should Have an Open QB Competition After Losing to the Patriots?
ESPN analyst and two-time Super Bowl champion Booger McFarland raised eyebrows with a post on X following Houston’s Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots, suggesting the Texans reconsider how firmly C.J. Stroud is entrenched as the starter.
“If I’m Houston I pick up the 5th year option for Stroud and I have an open competition between Mills and Stroud next fall,” McFarland wrote.
The timing of the comment followed a difficult postseason stretch for Stroud, highlighted by a four-interception performance in the loss to New England. Over two playoff games, Stroud committed seven turnovers, including five fumbles against Pittsburgh in the Wild Card Round and four interceptions against the Patriots. Since 2000, only Carson Palmer has recorded more turnovers in a single postseason.
If I’m Houston I pick up the 5th year option for Stroud and I have an open competition between Mills and Stroud next fall
— Booger (@ESPNBooger) January 19, 2026
Those struggles stood in contrast to Houston’s defensive performance. The Texans finished the season ranked second in PFSN’s Defense Impact Rankings, repeatedly keeping games within reach despite offensive inconsistency. Offensively, Houston ranked 23rd in PFSN’s Offense Impact Rankings, while Stroud finished 19th in PFSN’s QB Impact Rankings, reflecting a season marked by flashes of high-level play but uneven efficiency.
Stroud’s regular season included missed time due to a concussion, and his postseason performance came while the Texans were shorthanded offensively. Houston was without wide receiver Nico Collins against New England and lost multiple tight ends during the game, limiting options as turnovers mounted.
Davis Mills’ 3–0 Stretch Adds Intrigue to Quarterback Discussion
McFarland’s suggestion also draws attention to Davis Mills’ role during the 2025 season. When Stroud missed three games, Mills stepped in and guided Houston to a 3–0 record. In those appearances, Mills threw for 719 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 1 interception, providing stability while the offense leaned on the running game and defense.
Mills has been with the Texans since being drafted in 2021 and owns career totals of 7,081 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and 26 interceptions. While he has not established himself as a long-term answer, his success during Stroud’s absence complicates the narrative that Houston has no viable alternative.
From a roster perspective, the Texans are positioned to evaluate their options without urgency. Stroud is under contract through 2026, with a fifth-year option that would extend team control through 2027. Mills is signed through the 2026 season, keeping both quarterbacks under contract for the next two years.
Whether Houston embraces McFarland’s idea or views it as offseason noise, the suggestion reflects a broader reality. Stroud is no longer being evaluated solely on potential. With a defense capable of contending and postseason expectations rising, quarterback performance has moved to the center of Houston’s championship equation.
