While the Houston Texans’ season may be over, there were plenty of bright spots to point out about their 2024 season. The team captured the AFC South title, returned to the postseason for the second consecutive year, and won a playoff game. Even more than that, there were positive signs for the future, as the young team saw some of its up-and-coming players take center stage. Not the least of which was cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who took huge strides forward in just his third NFL season. The LSU product not only took his play to the next level, but he emerged as one of the Texans’ defensive leaders down the stretch.
Derek Stingley Jr. Is A Natural Football Player
Cornerback Is A Third Generation Pro
Stingley’s talent may have some part to do with genetics. His father, Derek Stingley, Sr., is a former Arena League player. And his grandfather, the late Darryl Stingley, a Patriots wide receiver who was infamously injured from a hit by Raiders cornerback Jack ‘The Assassin’ Tatum, one that ended his career and relegated him to a wheelchair.
For Stingley, Jr., success at the NFL level is not only an homage to his family, but a chance to carve out a name for himself. Named to the 2024 All-Pro squad, Stingley intercepted five passes during the regular season for the second year in a row. He credits being healthy and staying on the field as the reasons for his success.
“I played every single game this year,” Stingley told Houston’s KPRC-TV recently. “Every snap that I was supposed to be out there, I was out there. That was my thing going into this year. I’m just glad that the people around this building, whether it’s the strength staff or the trainers, they all helped me get here. Without them, I wouldn’t be here having this conversation right now.”
Texans Cornerback Has Received Plenty of Praise
Former four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Antonio Cromartie recently weighed in on Stingley Jr’s talents and his potential. The retired star – known mostly for his stint with the New York Jets – says he sees an air of confidence in a young player and stated that’s what any defensive back has to possess to be truly elite.
“Look at the way Sting carries himself, how he plays the game, he’s a true playmaker who has picked up his game every single year,” Cromartie told KPRC 2. “He has improved year in and year out. You’re talking about a kid with great ball skills, great cover skills and he can do anything you want to do at the cornerback position. He’s making tackles, [and] he’s a lot more physical this year. He’s definitely someone who loves ‘ball and has confidence in his abilities. That speaks a lot more to his love and passion for the game.”
“You can see that father influence his dad puts on him, driving and pushing himself to be the best he can. When you got a dad in your corner who wants the best for you, you never get complacent.”
Looking For A New Contract In Houston
Now that he’s completed his third season, Stingley Jr is in a position where he can negotiate for a new deal with the Texans. However, it doesn’t sound like there will be any holdouts or public whining from the electric defensive back. He’s made his intentions clear: He wants to stay with the team that drafted him.
“Yeah, I want to be here forever,” Stingley said.
The ball is in the Texans’ court now. They can exercise the standard ‘fifth-year option’, and delay Stingley’s free agency. However, market numbers are only going to trend upward when it comes to NFL salaries. So, it’s likely in the best interest of the Houston franchise to lock up this loyal leader and fortify their defense for years to come.
Main Image: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The post ‘I Want To Be Here Forever’: Texans All-Pro Wants Long-Term Contract To Stay In Houston appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.