Houston Texans sign Derek Stingley Jr. to rookie deal after 2022 NFL Draft

Former LSU Tigers cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. was selected with the third overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. Now, the Texans have signed Stingley to his rookie contract.

According to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson, Stingley received a fully guaranteed four-year deal that includes an option for the fifth season.

“Derek Stingley four-year fully guaranteed Texans deal with fifth-year club option has total value of $34.6 million including $22.385 million signing bonus, per a league source,” Wilson tweeted.

Stingley’s collegiate career began on a high note at LSU, as he had 39 tackles with six interceptions as the Tigers went on to win the National Championship. He dealt with injuries throughout the rest of his career, though, and played in just three games for LSU last season. Overall, Stingley played 25 games in his three-year stay at LSU and totaled 73 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six interceptions, 20 passes defended, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Regardless, the Texans saw the talent that Stingley can bring to the table, and invested a lot in him with the No. 3 overall pick.

Stingley has always been a believer in his own abilities, even as some doubted him due to concerns surrounding his injury history. After being taken by the Texans in the NFL Draft, Stingley explained what he brings to the table and how he could contribute right away as a player in the NFL.

“I’d probably say that I’m just calm,” said Stingley. “I don’t let my emotions get too high, too low. I know in certain areas whenever I mess up I know how to diagnose it and talk it through with my coaches and fix it real fast.”

Now, Stingley is looking to prove that he was worth that No. 3 overall selection by the Texans. He figures to be a key part of Houston’s secondary out of the gate, and he should be a building block on defense for years to come.