Derek Stingley Jr. made it clear to the Kansas City Chiefs that he wanted to be with the Houston Texans following the divisional round to the Kansas City Chiefs “for life.”
That’s not a bit to the local media. He continues to preach his approach to staying in Houston for the long haul.
Stingley, who earned first-team All-Pro status after a breakout 2024 season, appeared on The Pivot Podcast during Pro Bowl week to talk about his breakout season and his father, Derek Sr.
Ryan Clark brought up the contract extension headed into the offseason since Derek Jr. can sign after the Super Bowl.
His answer was brief and direct.
“I want to stay in Houston for the rest of my career really,” Stingley said.
Houston’s top defensive back closed out his 2024 season on a high note with two interceptions in the AFC wild-card round victory against the Chargers.
Earlier this season, Stingley switched agents, signing on with David Mulugheta of Athletes First. Not only has Mulugheta Stingley become his client, but Mulugheta did that for Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, signing a three-year, $72.1 million extension to make him the highest-paid average player at the position.
After a dominant season in man coverage, Stingley has laid down the foundation for a new deal with the team. Houston plans to begin conversations with the former No. 3 overall pick later this offseason, though there isn’t a timeline for either side to call it a day.
“The deal gonna happen when it happens,” Stingley said.
As for a holdout, Stingley said there’s too much to be accomplished as a team for him to put individual needs first.
“We still have to take care of business,” he said. “I still got to work out, I still got to be there, be around the team.”