Why did the Houston Texans make All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. the highest-paid player at his position for the long term?
It's the same reason they offered Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins a three-year, $72.5 million deal after his breakout third year as C.J. Stroud's go-to weapon.
The answer is quite simple when boiled down. Houston wants to reward its own for exceeding expectations before going outside the market to bring a talent who might not fit the culture. Both players proved their value, so they were properly compensated.
"I think everybody could see the message there,” Ryans said. “We want to send a message to all of our young guys when you do it the right way, guys like Stingley, Nico, young guys who came in and played really well for us they became top players in the league at their positions, you want to reward those guys."
Last season, Stingley put together his best year in the pros. Not only was he healthy for all 17 games, but he also was an elite showdown defender against some of the league's top weapons, including Miami's Tyreek Hill, Tennessee's Calvin Ridley, New York's Garrett Wilson and Detriot's Amon-Ra St. Brown.
He was voted first-team All-Pro and earned his first Pro Bowl selection after finishing second in pass breakups (18) and top 10 in interceptions (five). Stingley's standout game against the Miami Dolphins while shadowing Hill cemented him as a game-changer. His two interceptions and five deflections outing in Houston’s playoff win over the Los Angeles Chargers proved he was elite.
'We want to reward guys who do it the right way' #Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on how message franchise sends rewarding top young players like All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr. (Highest paid with 3 year, $90 million extensipn) is intentional, referenced Nico Collins, too @KPRC2pic.twitter.com/ai694gqo5K
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