Following an All-Pro season as the Texans’ top defender, Stingley is eligible for an extension for the first time this offseason. The Texans can pick up his fifth-year option before May 1, lengthening their time to agree to a new deal before the former No. 3 overall pick hits the market in 2026.

Could Houston have another All-Pro roaming its defensive backfield in 2025? Derek Stingley Jr. seems to think so.

In terms of future talks, the Texans can push it back by exercising the fifth-year club option. If they do that, it could just be to create more time for talks and create a placeholder for his deal. The Texans want to stay in business with Stingley for years and years to come. Both sides are properly motivated.

Derek Stingley Jr. has spent all of his NFL career with the Houston Texans. The cornerback said Monday he hopes that doesn’t change soon, or ever. “I want to be here forever,” Stingley said. Stingley is eligible for an extension for the first time this offseason as he heads into the final year of his rookie deal.

Stingley earned his first AP All-Pro First Team honor after starting in all 17 games this season. He posted career-high numbers in nearly every category, including total tackles (54), pass deflections (18) and tackles for loss (four), while also posting his second consecutive season with five interceptions.

NFL Nickelodeon broadcasts always create at least a handful of viral clips. During the Wild Card game between the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers, Derek Stingley Jr.’s first of two interceptions blew the minds of Spongebob Squarepants and Patrick Star.