Graham Mertz NFL Draft, Stats, and Contract: Your Complete 2026 Guide
Graham Mertz is a name that every college football fan knows well. After a big career at Wisconsin and Florida, he finally made the leap to the pros. Many fans were worried after his 2024 knee injury, but he showed everyone his heart. He worked hard to get healthy and ready for the big leagues. Now, he is a key part of the Houston Texans’ quarterback room. In this guide, we will look at his stats, his draft story, and what his contract looks like for the 2026 season.
The Graham Mertz Draft Story
The road to the NFL was not easy for this talented passer. During the Graham Mertz draft process, many scouts were unsure of his health. He had suffered a torn ACL in late 2024 while playing for the Florida Gators. This injury made him fall a bit in the rankings. However, the Houston Texans saw his potential and leadership. They picked him in the 6th round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 197th overall pick. It was a dream come true for a player who had spent six years in college.
Career Graham Mertz Stats Breakdown
When you look at the Graham Mertz stats, you see a player who is very accurate. In his best year at Florida, he completed over 72% of his passes. That is a huge number! He knows how to take care of the ball and find his open teammates. During his long college career, he threw for over 9,000 yards and 64 touchdowns. These numbers prove he has the experience to play at a high level. Even in the NFL preseason, he has shown flashes of being a very reliable backup for C.J. Stroud.
Understanding the Graham Mertz Contract
Money is always a big topic in the NFL. The Graham Mertz contract is a standard four-year deal for a rookie. He signed this deal in May 2025. The total value of the contract is about $4.4 million. This includes a signing bonus of over $228,000. For the 2026 season, Mertz is set to earn a base salary of around $1,005,000. This makes him a very affordable and valuable asset for the Texans. They get a veteran leader who doesn’t cost the team too much cap space.
Detailed Player Profile Table
| Category | Information |
| Full Name | Graham Mertz |
| Current Team | Houston Texans |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Draft Year | 2025 (Round 6, Pick 197) |
| 2026 Base Salary | $1,005,000 |
| College | Wisconsin & Florida |
| Height/Weight | 6’3″ / 212 lbs |
| Career Passing TDs | 64 (College) |
Transition from Wisconsin to Florida
Graham spent four years at Wisconsin before moving to Florida. At Wisconsin, he was a highly-rated recruit. He had a massive first game but faced some struggles with the heavy running style of the Big Ten. Moving to Florida changed everything for him. He joined a faster offense and became a leader quickly. His time as a Gator really helped his draft stock. He proved he could play in the SEC, which is the toughest conference in college sports. This move was the best choice for his career.
Overcoming the 2024 ACL Injury
Injuries are the worst part of football. When Graham Mertz went down against Tennessee in 2024, many thought his career was over. A torn ACL is a long road to recovery. But Graham didn’t give up. He spent his time coaching the younger players like DJ Lagway while he healed. This leadership showed NFL teams that he is a “football guy” through and through. By the time the 2025 camp started, he was ready to compete. His comeback is a great story of hard work.
Role with the Houston Texans
Right now, the Texans have a superstar in C.J. Stroud. This means Graham’s job is to be the best backup possible. He works hard in practice to stay ready. If the team needs him, they know they have an accurate passer who understands the playbook. Being a backup in the NFL is a very important job. You have to be ready at a moment’s notice. Graham’s high football IQ makes him perfect for this role. He helps the starters prepare every single week.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
As we move into 2026, Graham is entering his second year in the league. This is a big year for young players. He is now more comfortable with the speed of the NFL. His contract is secure, and he has the trust of his coaches. Fans are excited to see how he develops during the preseason. If he keeps playing well, he could have a very long career in the league. Accuracy and smarts are two things that never go out of style for an NFL quarterback.
Why Teams Value Graham Mertz
NFL teams love players who are “low-risk.” Graham doesn’t make many mistakes on the field. He is also a great locker room guy. Having a player who supports his teammates is worth a lot of money. His ability to read defenses and make quick throws fits the modern NFL perfectly. Even though he isn’t a “scrambler” like some other QBs, his pocket presence is very solid. He knows how to move just enough to keep the play alive.
Final Thoughts on Graham’s Journey
Graham Mertz has had a wild ride. From being a top recruit to a transfer star, and then a late-round draft pick. He has seen it all. His story teaches us that it doesn’t matter where you start, but how you finish. He is a pro now and is making the most of his chance. Whether he is starting a game or helping from the sidelines, he brings value to the team. We can’t wait to see what he does in the 2026 season and beyond!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When was the Graham Mertz draft pick?
He was drafted in 2025 by the Houston Texans. He was selected in the 6th round with the 197th overall pick.
- What are Graham Mertz’s college stats?
He threw for 9,099 yards and 64 touchdowns during his time at Wisconsin and Florida. He was known for having a very high completion percentage.
- How much is the Graham Mertz contract worth?
His four-year rookie deal is worth about $4.42 million. In 2026, he will earn a base salary of $1,005,000.
- Did Graham Mertz get injured in college?
Yes, he suffered a season-ending torn ACL in October 2024 while playing for the Florida Gators. He worked hard to recover for the NFL.
- Which NFL team does Graham Mertz play for?
He currently plays for the Houston Texans. He serves as a backup quarterback behind C.J. Stroud.
- Is Graham Mertz still in the NFL in 2026?
Yes! He is an active member of the Houston Texans roster for the 2026 season and is under contract through 2028.