Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. hints on upcoming contract extension

Houston Texans cornerback Derk Stingley hints at a brand new contract extension coming this offseason after an All-Pro year.

Derek Stingley Jr. made it clear to the Kansas City Chiefs that he wanted to be with the Houston Texans following the divisional round to the Kansas City Chiefs “for life.”

That’s not a bit to the local media. He continues to preach his approach to staying in Houston for the long haul.

Stingley, who earned first-team All-Pro status after a breakout 2024 season, appeared on The Pivot Podcast during Pro Bowl week to talk about his breakout season and his father, Derek Sr.

Ryan Clark brought up the contract extension headed into the offseason since Derek Jr. can sign after the Super Bowl.
His answer was brief and direct.

“I want to stay in Houston for the rest of my career really,” Stingley said.

Houston’s top defensive back closed out his 2024 season on a high note with two interceptions in the AFC wild-card round victory against the Chargers.

Earlier this season, Stingley switched agents, signing on with David Mulugheta of Athletes First. Not only has Mulugheta Stingley become his client, but Mulugheta did that for Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, signing a three-year, $72.1 million extension to make him the highest-paid average player at the position.

After a dominant season in man coverage, Stingley has laid down the foundation for a new deal with the team. Houston plans to begin conversations with the former No. 3 overall pick later this offseason, though there isn’t a timeline for either side to call it a day.

“The deal gonna happen when it happens,” Stingley said.

As for a holdout, Stingley said there’s too much to be accomplished as a team for him to put individual needs first.

“We still have to take care of business,” he said. “I still got to work out, I still got to be there, be around the team.”

Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. among league’s most improved players in 2024

Derek Stingley might not just be one of the league’s best cornerbacks, but also one of the most improved.

Houston Texans third-year cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. couldn’t have asked for a better season.

No, really, not many players earn All-Pro honors heading into negotiations for a new deal that will make them the highest-paid player at their respective position. Stingley, who could earn a clean sweep in first-team All-Pro accolades, did all that and then some in 2024.

After starting in all 17 games for the first time in his career, Stingley posted record-setting numbers in nearly every category, including total tackles (54), pass breakups (18) and tackles for loss (four). The former No.3 overall pick also posted his second consecutive season with five interceptions.

Pro Football Focus took notice of Stingley’s surging season, naming him one of the five most improved defensive backs in the second half of the 2024 season.

“Stingley’s aura grew and grew as the season went on, and the former first-round pick has fully asserted himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL,” PFF wrote. “His 81.3 grade in the second half of the season was sixth at the position, and he went into full lockdown mode, allowing a 40.6% completion percentage — third-lowest in the NFL.”

Stingley’s five interceptions were tied for the team-high with rookie safety Calen Bullock and ranked as the fourth-most in the NFL this season, while his 18 pass breakups stood as the second-most in the league.

According to NextGenStats, 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.

Stingley said he wants to be with the Texans for the rest of his career. After his dominant campaign in coverage, Houston would be foolish to let him way in free agency.

Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. earns yet another All-Pro honor

Derek Stingley Jr. has earned another accolade for his efforts in coverage with the Houston Texans in 2024.

All-Pro Sting has been a saying for weeks now.

Consensus All-Pro could be a new title added to Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.’s vocabulary by this time next week.

The third-year defensive back was named a first-team All-Pro by The Sporting News Thursday morning, adding to his accolades from a breakout 2024 season.

After starting a career-high 17 games, the former No.3 overall pick posted career numbers in nearly every category, including total tackles (54), passes defensed (18) and tackles for loss (four). Stingley also posted his second consecutive season with five interceptions.

Stingley’s five interceptions were tied for the team-high with rookie safety Calen Bullock and ranked fourth-most in the NFL this season. His 18 pass breakups ranked second among defenders, trailing only Cleveland’s Denzel Ward.

According to NextGenStats, 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.

Stingley’s shining moment came in Week 15 while covering All-Pro Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill. In the victory, he recorded five tackles, including two for loss, two interceptions and two passes defensed, becoming the first cornerback in NFL history to record two interceptions and two tackles for loss in a game.

He would go on to be named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, marking the second of his career.

This marks Stingley’s second All-Pro honor of the year after also being named to the Associated Press All-Pro First Team, making him the first cornerback in franchise history to earn Associated Press and The Sporting News All-Pro First Team honors in the same year.

Stingley was also named to the NFLPA’s All-Pro roster, which is voted on by only active players.

All-Pro CB Derek Stingley Jr. hopes for long-term extension with Texans

Derek Stingley Jr. wants to be a Houston Texans starter “for life” as he becomes eligible for an extension

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.

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.”

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.”

3 other Texans players received 2024 All-Pro votes

Laremy Tunsil, Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. all made compelling cases for All-Pro status along with Derek Stingley Jr.

Derek Stingley Jr. is an All-Pro for the first time in his career.

The third-year cornerback is the first Houston Texans player to earn the accolade since DeAndre Hopkins in 2019.

He’s the first defensive player to earn the title since three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt made the team in 2018.

But while Stingley now has the title, he wasn’t alone in the running to earn the accolade entering the playoffs.

Left tackle Laremy Tunsil received five votes, including one first-place vote, and four votes for second-team All-Pro. Defensive end Danielle Hunter received 12 second-place votes. And second-year standout Will Anderson Jr. received one second-place vote., but it wasn’t enough for them to make the list.

Stingley, the former No. 3 pick, broke out after starting 17 games for the first time in career. He posted career-highs in nearly every category, including total tackles (54), passes defensed (18) and tackles for loss (four), while also posting his second consecutive season with five interceptions.

Stingley’s five interceptions were tied for the team-high with rookie safety Calen Bullock and ranked as the fourth-most in the NFL this season, while his 18 passes defensed stood as the second-most in the League.

According to NextGenStats, 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.

Stingley was also named to the NFLPA’s All-Pro team and earned his first Pro Bowl nod.

Stingley and the Texans host the Chargers at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at NRG Stadium. The game will be nationally televised on CBS and Parmount+.

WATCH: Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. finds out about AP All-Pro accolade

Derek Stingley Jr. was surprised he made the All-Pro team, but the city of Houston isn’t.

All-Pro Sting has a nice ring to it.

It’s sticking around with the Houston Texans cornerback for the remainder of his career.

Derek Stingley Jr, the first significant piece in a three-year rebuild out in Houston, was named a first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press on Friday.

He is the Texans’ first recipient of this accolade since wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in 2019 and the second defensive player all-time, joining three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt.

And even though he knew his season was special, Stingley was caught off guard when AP’s Rob Maaddi told him the news of honor.

“That’s crazy,” Stingley said. “Oh, that’s crazy!”

The All-Pro Award is one of the most leauge prestigious recognitions because it labels individual play over team skills. Fifty national media members have a final say on each position, thus making it more impressive to receive the accolade.

Nobody in Houston is surprised by the honor. In 17 games, Stingley’s recorded 18 pass deflections, five interceptions and 54 tackles, including four behind the line.
In coverage, he allowed the lowest passer rating (56.9) and lowest completion percentage (46.7%) among cornerbacks who played at least 400 coverage snaps this season.

On top of his All-Pro honor by AP, Stingley elected to his first Pro Bowl last week. He also was named by to the All-Pro team by the NFLPA after a dominant outing while defending Miami Dolphins All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill.
Stingley, who soon will be one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league, and Texans host the Chargers at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at NRG Stadium. Expectations are for him to lock down shifty speed threat Ladd McConkey.

Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. named AP first-team All-Pro

Derek Stingley Jr. is now only known as ‘All-Pro Sting’ after a breakout 2024 season.

Derek Stingley’s breakout 2024 season is finally getting its proper recognition.

The third-year Houston Texans cornerback was named has been named an Associated Press First Team All-Pro, the AP announced Friday.

Stingley, 23, is the first Texans player to earn first-team All-Pro honors wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in 2019. He’s the first defensive player to earn the accolade since three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt in 2018.

Stingley, the former No. 3 overall pick in 2022, proved to be one of the league’s best defenders after setting records in 2024. He started all 17 games in coverage and posted career-high numbers in tackles (54), passes defensed (18) and tackles for loss (four).

Stingley also notched five interceptions, which tied his career-high from 2023. His five turnovers were tied for the team-high with rookie safety Calen Bullock and ranked as the fourth-most in the NFL this season, while his 18 pass breakups stood as the second-most in the League.

According to NextGenStats, 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.

But his breakout game in Week 15 likely sealed the accolade. Against the Miami Dolphins in man coverage against Tyreek Hill, Stingley recorded five tackles, including two for loss, two interceptions and two passes defensed, becoming the first cornerback in NFL history to record two interceptions and two tackles for loss in a game.

For his efforts he was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, marking the second of his career.

Stingley becomes the first cornerback in franchise history to earn AP All-Pro First Team honors.

Stingley, along with wide receiver Nico Collins, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and running back Joe Mixon were all named to the Pro Bowl roster. The standout defensive back also made the NFLPA All-Pro team following the 2024 season.

The Texans take on the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card round this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on CBS and Parmount+.

Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. named to the NFLPA All-Pro team

Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. is garnering high praise from his peers entering wild-card round weekend.

Derek Stingley Jr.’s breakout season is being noticed among his peers.

The third-year Houston Texans cornerback was named a first-team All-Pro cornerback by the NFLPA as part of the third-annual tradition. He joined fellow Defensive Player of the Year candidate Pat Surtain II as the starting cornerback after helping Houston’s defense respond in 2024 en route to a playoff berth.

Stingley, the former No. 3 overall pick, finished the regular season as arguably the league’s top cornerback. In 17 games, he totaled five interceptions, 12 pass deflections and 54 tackles.

His five turnovers were tied for the team lead with rookie defensive back Calen Bullock. Among cornerbacks, Stingley ranked fourth, trailing only Baltimore Ravens’ Marlon Humphrey, Minnesota Vikings’ Byron Murphy and Pittsburgh Steelers’ Donte Jackson.

Listed below is the first-team defense, voted on by players following the conclusion of the regular season:

  • DL Chris Jones – Kansas City Chiefs
  • DL Jalen Carter – Philadelphia Eagles
  • EDGE Trey Hendrickson – Cincinnati Bengals
  • EDGE Myles Garrett – Cleveland Browns
  • NT Dexter Lawrence – New York Giants
  • LB Roquan Smith – Baltimore Ravens
  • LB Fred Warner – San Francisco 49ers
  • S Xavier McKinney – Green Bay Packers
  • S Kyle Hamilton – Baltimore Ravens
  • CB Patrick Surtain II – Denver Broncos
  • CB Derek Stingley Jr. – Houston Texans

NOTE: PLAYERS WHO MISSED 5 OR MORE GAMES AS OF WEEK 15 WERE INELIGIBLE.

The Texans return to NRG Stadium for a showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers on wild-card round weekend this Saturday at NRG Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

The game will be nationally televised on CBS and Parmount+.

4 Texans players make 2025 Pro Bowl roster

Derek Stingley Jr., Laremy Tunsil, Nico Collins and Joe Mixon are headed to Orlando.

Four Houston Texans players will represent the AFC South franchise one final time in Orlando later next month.

Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., wide receiver Nico Collins, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and running back Joe Mixon were all named to the NFL’s 2025 Pro Bowl roster, the NFL announced Thursday.

Stingley and Tunsil will start for the AFC team coached by Peyton Manning (Eli Manning coaches the NFC squad). The “Pro Bowl Games” feature several skills competitions leading up to a flag football game.

Houston also has six alternates named for the Pro Bowl, including defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.

Stingley, the former No. 3 overall pick in 2022, earned his right to compete in the Pro Bowl after a breakout campaign in coverage. He’s started all 16 contests, recording career highs in tackles (54), tackles for loss (four), passes breakups (18), while also tying a career-high with five interceptions. His five interceptions are tied for sixth-most in the NFL while his three in December alone are tied for first in the AFC.

Collins, a fellow first-time Pro Bowl honoree, was en route to lead the NFL in receiving yards after five games, but a hamstring injury sidelined him for a month. The fourth-year pro ranks fourth nationall and second in the AFC with 88.0 receiving yards per game. Collins is just 32 yards away from becoming the fourth wide receiver in team history to record back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving campaigns.

Mixon returns to the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career following a campaign that showcased him posting 240 carries for 993 yards with 11 scores on the ground while adding 35 receptions for 304 yards with one additional touchdown in 13 starts. He is the only player league-wide to accumulate 1,200 yards from scrimmage in each of the last four seasons.

Tunsil should have real estate property when it comes to the Pro Bowl since this marks his fifth appearance. Now named a starter in back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances, Tunsil has not surrendered a sack since Week 1 and currently holds the fourth-best pass-blocking grade (89.0) in the league.

The 2025 Pro Bowl Games will be held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Feb. 2. The NFC defeated the AFC 64-59 last season.

Beyonce shines for Netflix on Christmas Day: Top photos from Ravens win over Texans

Top photos from the Baltimore Ravens 31-2 win over the Houston Texans on Christmas Day in front of Beyonce on Netflix

Some thought Baltimore had peaked too soon after its 24-19 loss to the Eagles, but the Ravens have been 3-0 since then, and they have had a much-needed bye week.

A team unsure about their AFC North status can win the division in Week 18 after an impressive 31-2 win over Houston on Christmas Day in front of Beyonce and a monstrous Netflix audience.

Lamar Jackson was 10-15 passing for 168 yards, two touchdowns, and a 143.9 rating.  As a rusher, Jackson carried the ball four times for 87 yards and a touchdown, moving past Michael Vick on the NFL’s all-time rushing yards list for a quarterback.

With preparation for the Browns set to begin, we’re looking at the top photos from Christmas Night.

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