Schefter: Teams Question Texans Signing Stingley Jr. to Historic Contract This Year

Some NFL teams questioned the Houston Texans for signing cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. to an extension when they had two years left on his rookie deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"Derek Stingley did the right thing," Schefter said. "The Texans did something that I think in the long run is probably smart, but certainly got the eyebrows raised of other teams like, 'Why are they doing this now when he had two years left? Why weren't they waiting more?'

"I think that was one of the common reactions that I got from some other teams, but I think the Texans said 'we have somebody that we know is gonna be a huge part of our future. We're gonna continue to have him contractually tied to this team and this organization for as long as we can."'

Stingley's extension is for three years and $90 million, making him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history in yearly value ($30 million).

In reality, he has a five-year, $113 million deal now when one includes (a) the remaining year on his rookie deal and (b) the fifth-year option, which the Texans picked up for 2026. The extension runs from 2027-2029.

The Texans selected Stingley out of LSU with the third overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft. Injuries kept him out for 14 total games over his first two seasons, but he starred in 2024, earning first team All-Pro honors with 54 tackles, 18 pass breakups, five interceptions and four tackles for a loss. He also picked off five passes.

According to NextGenStats (h/t houstontexans.com), "Stingley allowed the lowest passer rating (56.9) and lowest completion percentage (46.7%) among cornerbacks who played at least 400 coverage snaps this season."

Thanks in part to his efforts, the Texans won 10 straight games, took the AFC South and earned a Wild Card win for the second straight year.

Teams may ultimately question why Houston made the move, but the Texans may be smart to extend him early, as he's a clear superstar and cornerstone of this team as it looks for its first-ever Super Bowl.