Derek Stingley No Longer NFL’s Highest-Paid CB After New Contract Extension
After holding the title for just under four months, Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. is no longer the NFL’s highest-paid at his position. This change comes after the New York Jets signed cornerback Sauce Gardner to a lucrative extension on Tuesday, making him the new top earner among cornerbacks.
Gardner’s new deal is a four-year, $120.4 million contract, which vaults him to the top of the annual salary charts for cornerbacks. This massive extension marks a major milestone in his career with the Jets.
Earlier this year, the Texans made Stingley the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL by signing him to a three-year, $90 million contract in March. That deal set an unprecedented $30 million annual value, which was groundbreaking at the time.
However, with Gardner’s new contract, it seems the $30 million mark is becoming the new standard for elite cornerbacks, as he edges out Stingley by a slim $30.1 million annually, claiming the title of the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
Both players have proven themselves as top-tier talents in their respective secondaries. Stingley had an impressive 2023 season, playing all 17 games and recording 54 tackles, 18 pass breakups, and five interceptions. His stellar play earned him a spot on the All-Pro First-Team for the first time in his career.
Looking ahead, Stingley is poised for another standout season in the Texans’ defense. Entering just his age-24 season, he’ll be part of a strong secondary, especially with a solid safety unit, positioning him for continued success in 2025 and beyond.
The NFL’s top young cornerbacks are now reaping the rewards of their exceptional skills. It will be interesting to see who delivers the best on-field performance as they play under these new high-paying contracts.
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