Why did the Houston Texans make All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. the highest-paid player at his position for the long term?
It’s the same reason they offered Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins a three-year, $72.5 million deal after his breakout third year as C.J. Stroud’s go-to weapon.
The answer is quite simple when boiled down. Houston wants to reward its own for exceeding expectations before going outside the market to bring a talent who might not fit the culture. Both players proved their value, so they were properly compensated.
“I think everybody could see the message there,” Ryans said. “We want to send a message to all of our young guys when you do it the right way, guys like Stingley, Nico, young guys who came in and played really well for us they became top players in the league at their positions, you want to reward those guys.”
Last season, Stingley put together his best year in the pros. Not only was he healthy for all 17 games, but he also was an elite showdown defender against some of the league’s top weapons, including Miami’s Tyreek Hill, Tennessee’s Calvin Ridley, New York’s Garrett Wilson and Detriot’s Amon-Ra St. Brown.
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 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.
‘We want to reward guys who do it the right way’ #Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on how message franchise sends rewarding top young players like All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr. (Highest paid with 3 year, $90 million extensipn) is intentional, referenced Nico Collins, too @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/ai694gqo5K
In 2023, Collins recorded a career-high 80 receptions for 1,297 yards and eight TDs while helping Houston end its four-year playoff drought. Last season, even after missing five games, he still managed to finish with 68 receptions for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns, once again helping C.J. Stroud and Texans win 10 games and a division title.
“We want everyone to see that we’re going to reward guys for doing it the right way,” Ryans said.
Given the culture and S.W.A.R.M. mentality the Texans play for, several other players could be up for new deals in Houston soon. Defensive back and Walter Payton Man of the Year representative Jalen Pitre is entering the final year of his rookie contract and put together one of his better seasons since being drafted out of Baylor.
The Texans could also look to bring back Tank Dell on a short-term, team-friendly contract next offseason. While he’s expected to miss most of the 2025 season, the former third-round pick has been a quality No. 2 force in the passing game behind Collins.
Houston also should have money put aside for Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson Jr., who are both eligible for new deals this offseason. After hitting on the No. 2 and No. 3 pick in 2023, the Texans likely will reward the duo for helping mold a new culture down at NRG Stadium for the long haul.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans DeMeco Ryans gives a candid answer on the reason for CB Derek Stingley Jr. deal
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
