Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. 'ready to get back into it' after inking new extension
Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. 'ready to get back into it' after inking new extension
What did Houston Texans defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. do to celebrate his new three-year, $90 million extension?
Did he take a trip to Euproe?
Did he buy his family a new house?
'I had me some crawfish," Stingley said Wednesday. "That was about it.'
It's back to the lab for Stingley, Houston's top defensive player and anchor for a unit that carried the AFC South champions back to the divisional round. He'll earn $30 million annually once the contract kicks in in 2026. He'll be locked down with the franchise through 2029 as the face of Houston's secondary and one of the league's top defenders.
He's worth every penny, too. After being fully healthy for the first time since his freshman season at LSU, Stingley reached new heights in coverage. He was voted first-team All-Pro and earned his first Pro Bowl selection after finishing second in pass breakups (18) and top 10 in interceptions (five).
Stingley's standout game against the Miami Dolphins while shadowing All-Pro Tyreek Hill cemented him as a game-changer. His two interceptions and five deflections outing in Houston's playoff win over the Los Angeles Chargers proved he was elite.
"Every single year it seems like I've gained their trust more,' Stingley said. "[The coaching staff is] allowing me to be comfortable with who I am, whether that's on the field or off the field. So, there was never any pressure to be this person or be that person. So, I think it's pretty cool. They actually believe in me.'
Stingley believes this is only the start for the Texans. After adding defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and trading for do-it-all defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Houston's top-10 defense should only improve in every metric. It's something the third-year defensive back expects to see no later than midseason.
"We are the standard, really. But I feel like it's just going to add another level of, 'We're here. This is our defense, this is the way we play football,'" Stingley said. "So, think it's going to be good.'
Stingley's mindset has never been built around being the highest-paid defensive back. He wants to play football, improve his production and help Houston win a title. Now signed, that's the only priority for Stingley.
Everything now is about working.
'It's time to start playing football,' Stingley said. 'I'm ready to get back into it. That's really it."
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