HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 26: Derek Stingley Jr. #24 of the Houston Texans takes to the field prior to a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Derek Stingley Jr. just got paid. The Houston Texans’ star cornerback has signed a record-breaking three-year, $90 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history. The deal includes a massive $89 million guaranteed, showing just how much the Texans value their young star.
Since being drafted third overall in 2022, Stingley has become one of the league’s top lockdown corners. Last season, he had five interceptions, 18 pass breakups, and 54 tackles, earning First-Team All-Pro honors and his first Pro Bowl selection. His ability to shut down an opponent’s top receiver makes him a true game-changer, and the Texans clearly recognize his value.
At just 23 years old, Stingley is still getting better. His extension cements him as a cornerstone of the Texans’ defense as they look to build on two successful seasons since drafting QB C.J. Stroud in 2023. The Houston front office has been busy this offseason, and keeping Stingley in Houston was clearly a top priority.
This deal also raises the bar for cornerbacks across the league. With the salary cap increasing and contracts constantly setting new records, Stingley’s deal might not hold the “highest-paid” title for long, but for now, he’s at the top of the mountain.
For Texans fans, this is exactly what they wanted, one of the league’s best young corners locked in long term, ready to keep making big plays in Houston for years to come.
