New Texans cornerback deal breaks NFL record with eye-watering salary

The Houston Texans have spent big to tie down a key part of their defensive structure, agreeing a lucrative three-year extension with cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.

Stingley was the No. 3 pick at the 2022 NFL Draft and he’s impressed during three seasons with the Texans. He was an All-Pro pick in 2024, recording five interceptions and 18 pass breakups across the season for Houston.

This is the first time that Nick Caserio has extended a first round draft pick during his time as team general manager and it was not cheap. ESPN reports that the three-year extension is worth $90 million, with $89 million of that in guaranteed money.

With an average value of $30 million per year, Stingley becomes the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. He breaks the record set last week by Jaycee Horn, whose $100 million four-year extension nets him $25 million per year.

Speaking earlier this month, Caserio emphasised that Stingley is a key part of the team’s plans going forwarded and hinted that he was in the process of agreeing improved terms with the 23-year-old star.

“Derek’s a great player. He’s expressed sentiments of wanting to be here. We want Derek to be here,” Caserio told reporters.

“There’s a process we will have to go through. Got a good working relationship with David, so we’ll see where that leads us. But Derek has earned the opportunity here because of his play. Because of his performance and the fact that he wants to be here. It’s because of the players in the locker room. It’s because of what DeMeco [Ryans, head coach] has done with the program to put us in the position that we’re in.”

With Stingley’s re-signing the Texans have secured a key teammate for CJ Stroud, the young quarterback heading into his third season in the league. Next year Stroud will be eligible for a contract extension and can expect to sign a deal that approaches the huge $330 million, six-year deal that the Buffalo Bills agreed with QB Josh Allen recently.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.