Houston Texans legend J.J. Watt, now an analyst for CBS Sports and a regular guest on The Pat McAfee Show, shared his thoughts on X regarding the new $90 million extension signed by Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.
Breaking Down Stingley Jr.’s Deal
Watt’s response, “Good Business,” accompanied by a padlock emoji, came in response to ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s tweet breaking the extension news.
Good Business 🔒
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 17, 2025
According to Schefter, the deal for the All-Pro cornerback is for*three years and $90 million. Notably, all but $1 million is fully guaranteed. His $30 million annual salary makes him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history.
Here are the four closest defensive backs by average annual salary, per Spotrac:
- Jaycee Horn (Carolina Panthers): $25M (4 years, $100 million)
- Jalen Ramsey (Miami Dolphins): $24.1M (3 years, $72.3 million)
- Patrick Surtain II (Denver Broncos): $24M (4 years, $96 million)
- Jaire Alexander (Green Bay Packers): $21M (4 years, $84 million)
Stingley’s $89 million guaranteed is the highest ever for a defensive back, surpassing Horn’s $46.7 million guarantee.
Examining Stingley Jr.’s Recent Performance
Over the last two seasons, Stingley Jr. has recorded five interceptions each year, bringing his two-season total to 10—the most among all cornerbacks and tied for fourth among all NFL players, as PFSN’s Alex Kennedy points out.
Last season, Stingley allowed just 4.5 yards per target, giving up 40 catches on 85 targets for 382 yards. This was the best yards-per-target average among 147 players who faced 50 or more targets.
Over his career, Stingley’s career yards per target allowed is just 5.8, which ranks fourth among all defensive backs who have faced at least 100 targets since 2022.
The Texans’ Offseason So Far
So far this offseason, in addition to Stingley’s extension, the Texans have added several key players:
- Signed WR Braxton Berrios
- Signed DT Sheldon Rankins
- Signed G Laken Tomlinson
- Signed EDGE Darrell Taylor
They also traded for safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Kenyon Green and acquired guard Ed Ingram from the Minnesota Vikings.
In PFSN’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft, Jacob Infante has the Texans selecting the following players:
- No. 25: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
- No. 58: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
- No. 79: Emery Jones Jr., G, LSU
- No. 89: Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech
- No. 166: Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia Tech
- No. 236: Jalen Rivers, OT, Miami (FL)
- No. 241: Dante Trader Jr., S, Maryland
Regarding the Texans’ first-round pick, Conerly Jr., Infante writes:
“The Houston Texans’ offense took a step back in 2024 due to injuries and inconsistent offensive line play. Josh Conerly Jr. is one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the class. His quick feet and pad level make him a strong pass protector.”