Derek Stingley Jr. Becomes Highest-Paid Cornerback in NFL History
Hey there, football fans! Gather around because we have some exciting news coming out of Houston. The Texans have just made a massive move that has the entire NFL buzzing. Derek Stingley Jr., the talented cornerback who has been turning heads with his stellar performances, has agreed to a three-year, $90 million extension with the Houston Texans. This deal, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, makes Stingley the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. Can you believe it?
Now, let’s break down the details of this groundbreaking contract. The deal includes a whopping $89 million guaranteed. That’s right, folks, $89 million! This extension surpasses the previous record set just last week by Jaycee Horn, who signed a four-year, $100 million extension with the Carolina Panthers, averaging $25 million per season. It’s safe to say that Stingley’s new deal has set a new benchmark for cornerbacks in the league.
So, what makes Derek Stingley Jr. worth this kind of money? Well, he’s coming off an All-Pro season that was nothing short of spectacular. Stingley recorded five interceptions, which tied him for the sixth-most in the league. He also had 18 pass breakups, the second-most among cornerbacks. And here’s the kicker: he allowed the second-lowest completion percentage among cornerbacks with at least 200 coverage snaps, at just 46.7%, according to Next Gen Stats. Talk about locking down the field!
Stingley, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 draft, has been a cornerstone of the Texans’ defense. He led a pass defense that ranked sixth in passing yards allowed, with just 201 yards per game. And he didn’t shy away from taking on some of the league’s top wide receivers, including Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins, CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys, and D.J. Moore of the Chicago Bears. It’s clear that Stingley thrives on competition and consistently rises to the occasion.
But wait, there’s more! Opposing quarterbacks had a passer rating under five when targeting Stingley against teams like the Cowboys (3.5), Jacksonville Jaguars (0), Buffalo Bills (0), and Detroit Lions (0). That’s right, folks, a big fat zero! It’s no wonder the Texans were eager to lock him down with this record-breaking extension.
This extension is a significant milestone for Texans general manager Nick Caserio. It’s the first time he’s extended one of his first-round draft picks during his tenure. In fact, Stingley is only the second draft pick to receive an extension under Caserio, following wideout Nico Collins, who signed a three-year, $72.75 million deal in May 2024. It seems like the Texans are building a solid foundation for the future, and Stingley is a crucial piece of that puzzle.
- Derek Stingley Jr. signs a three-year, $90 million extension with the Houston Texans.
- The deal includes $89 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
- Stingley is coming off an All-Pro season with five interceptions and 18 pass breakups.
- He allowed the second-lowest completion percentage among cornerbacks with at least 200 coverage snaps.
- Opposing quarterbacks had a passer rating under five when targeting Stingley against several teams.
- This is the first time Texans GM Nick Caserio has extended a first-round draft pick during his tenure.
So, there you have it, folks! Derek Stingley Jr. is now the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, and the Texans are making a statement with this extension. It’s an exciting time for Houston fans, and we can’t wait to see what Stingley and the Texans have in store for the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates and reactions as this story continues to unfold!
Originally Written by: ESPN.com