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Texans star is now NFL’s richest defensive back

Derek Stingley Jr. rose from a promising young talent to an All-Pro defensive back in 2024. The Houston Texans rewarded Stingley’s superb season with a record-breaking contract Monday morning.

Houston and Stingley agreed to a three-year, $90 million deal, with $89 million guaranteed. Stingley’s $30 million yearly salary is now the highest for any cornerback in NFL history, outpacing the $25 million per year owed to Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn after his contract extension was signed last week.

Stingley, 23, didn’t immediately emerge as a star for the Texans after being selected with the No.