NFL Transactions: Houston Texans Sign Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. to Record-Breaking Extension

The Houston Texans have locked up one of their young superstars. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Texans have agreed to terms with All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. on a staggering three-year, $90 million extension.

The top has been blown off the DB market. Sources say #Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. is the NFL’s new highest paid DB.

Stingley has agreed to terms on a 3-year, $90M deal — $30M per year. The deal done by David Mulugheta of @AthletesFirst includes a whopping $89M guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/sG0tQU3j0U
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2025

Stingley just wrapped up his third season in the league and became extension-eligible for the first time in his career, so the Texans are striking fast. The $30 million per year on the contract makes Stingley the league's highest-paid defensive back, shattering the previous high of $25 million per year set by Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn. The deal will tie Stingley to the Texans through the 2029 season.

The Texans took Stingley third overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he has quickly established himself as one of the league's elite cornerbacks when available. Injuries held him to 20 games through his first two seasons, which might account for the brevity of this extension. The Texans may be protecting themselves in case Stingley continues to struggle with availability.

Still, there's no questioning Stingley's value when he's on the field. He started all 17 games in 2024, snatching five interceptions and breaking up 18 passes on his way to first-team All-Pro honors. Over his last two seasons, he has held opposing receivers to a brutal 46.3 passer rating on throws in his direction. He'll be a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate if he remains healthy.

Stingley is still only 23 years old, and if he plays to his current level over the length of this deal, he'll have a chance to secure another massive extension before he turns 30 years old. He'll be a cornerstone of the Texans defense for years to come.