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.

'I want to be here forever' #Texans corner Derek Stingley Jr. @stingjr on plans for eventual contract extension which will be huge obviously @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/bU51jjomSM And the Texans are expected to ultimately enter negotiations with Stingley’s agent, Austin-based David Mulugheta of Athletes First.

HOUSTON — C.J. Stroud called Derek Stingley Jr. "the most talented player he's ever played with." Kamari Lassiter said Stingley was the best player he's ever seen. Calen Bullock referred to him as "All-Pro Sting," well before he even earned the honor.

“Stingley’s aura grew and grew as the season went on, and the former first-round pick has fully asserted himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL,” PFF wrote. “His 81.3 grade in the second half of the season was sixth at the position, and he went into full lockdown mode, allowing a 40.6% completion percentage — third-lowest in the NFL.”

Three weeks after he was was named first team All-Pro by the Associated Press, Derek Stingley Jr., earned the same honors from The Sporting News on Thursday. First team All-Pro is the one of the most prestigious honors bestowed on NFL players,