Derek Stingley Jr. envisions himself wearing a Houston Texans uniform in the future. If everything goes according to plan, he’ll never don another team’s colors.
“I want to be here forever,” Stingley said.
Following an All-Pro season as the Texans’ top defender, Stingley is eligible for an extension for the first time this offseason. The Texans can pick up his fifth-year option before May 1, lengthening their time to agree to a new deal before the former No. 3 overall pick hits the market in 2026.
The option has both positive and negative aspects. While it lengthens the time, it also allows for more production, leading to a more expensive deal for perhaps the league’s top defensive back.
#Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. asked on whether he wants to be in Houston long term:
“I want to be here forever.”
The All-Pro CB is eligible for a new deal this offseason. pic.twitter.com/I3XWFPuvHC
— Cole Thompson (@MrColeThompson) January 20, 2025
Three years into his career, the Texans made the right call to take Stingley over New York Jets cornerback Sauce Garnder. The former LSU All-American is coming off a career year, notching five interceptions, 18 passes defended and 54 tackles while playing an entire season for the first time since his 2019.
In the postseason, Stingley added two picks and a forced fumble against the Los Angeles Chargers. In last week’s divisional round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, he didn’t allow a catch in coverage to Hollywood Brown or DeAndre Hopkins.
“Sting is the best player I’ve seen in a really long time,” rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter said. “Just playing with him, man, it just makes me better. Just seeing him make plays, then I want to go make plays and we just feed off each other.
“The sky’s the limit.”
Derek Stingley Jr. & Kamari Lassiter vs the Chiefs:
3 Targets
0 Catches
0 Yards
39.6 Passer Rating when TargetedFirst time I can remember seeing a CB duo not allow a single catch in a playoff game. pic.twitter.com/KDuwBRisIx
— Jacob (@TexansJacob) January 19, 2025
Numbers justify a new deal for Sting as he enters the last year of his guaranteed rookie contract. His 56.9 passer rating when targeted in the regular season was the lowest among cornerbacks. His 4.93 yards per target allowed ranked second among defenders with more than 50 targets, trailing only fellow All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
On top of earning All-Pro status, Stingley was selected to his first Pro Bowl. During the regular season, he ranked second in pass breakups and sixth in total interceptions.
The Texans know it’ll be expensive, but it’s worth keeping the homegrown talent around for the long haul. Stingley, who said he’ll stick around the city to train this offseason, said he won’t get involved in negotiations for a new contract.
That’s up for the team and his representation to work on while he works on winning a Super Bowl next season.
“I’m just going to be here, working out,” Stingley said. “Taking care of me.”
