The Houston Texans have been making moves throughout the offseason to help quarterback C.J. Stroud bounce back from his sophomore slump, a season riddled with injuries and tough losses. The one consistent area for the team was its defense, with players at every level stepping up to make game-winning plays.
Over the weekend, they rewarded their best defensive player, Derek Stingley Jr., with a three-year, $90 million contract, including $89 million guaranteed. The No. 3 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft has lived up to expectations, earning All-Pro honors with eye-popping numbers: five interceptions, sixth in passing yards allowed, and the second-lowest completion percentage (47%) among cornerbacks with at least 200 coverage snaps.
Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn briefly held the title of highest-paid cornerback after signing a four-year, $100 million extension, but Stingley’s new deal quickly surpassed it.
Now, after playing a full season in 2023, Stingley will look to build on his success and help push Houston toward a deep playoff run.
