The Houston Texans have made a concerted effort this offseason to lock up key defensive members. Last month, the Texans signed All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. to a huge three-year, $90 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
After the Texans got Stingley Jr. squared away, they signed star pass rusher Danielle Hunter to a one-year, $35.6 million extension, making him the second-highest-paid defensive end in NFL history. Finally, Houston signed versatile defensive back Jalen Pitre to a three-year, $39 million extension last week.
Pitre, who is predominantly a safety, played different roles last season. According to PFF, he lined up at slot corner (434 snaps), in the box (188), on the defensive line (30), and at free safety (8).
Bears CB Kyler Gordon's New Deal Surpasses Jalen Pitre's Contract Extension
Given his versatility and production over the years, it made sense for the Texans to keep Pitre in the Lone Star State for a few more seasons. However, it didn’t take long for Pitre’s new deal to get beat by the competition as Chicago Bears nickelback Kyler Gordon signed a three-year, $40 million contract extension.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Gordon’s new deal includes $31.25 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid slot cornerback in the NFL.
ESPN source: Bears reached agreement today on a three-year, $40 million extension that includes $31.25 million guaranteed with CB Kyler Gordon. The deal now makes Gordon the NFL’s highest-paid slot corner and contractually ties him to Chicago through the 2028 season. pic.twitter.com/fWXyI5bCc2
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 13, 2025
It’s not a surprise that Gordon surpassed Pitre’s deal, as it almost always happens in the NFL. When Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn received his four-year, $100 million contract extension, it set the stage for Stingley to get paid.
That said, Gordon doesn’t play any other role on defense out of the slot, while Pitre was used all over the field.
Last season with the Bears, Gordon had 75 combined tackles, five pass deflections, four tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, two quarterback hits, and a forced fumble.
The 25-year-old cornerback also possessed a 73.2 completion percentage allowed on targets, a 107.1 pass rating allowed when targeted, and only gave up two touchdowns. According to Pro Football Focus, Gordon had 76.0 coverage (19th among 222 eligible cornerbacks and a 76.5 run defense grade (32nd) last season.
As for Pitre, he recorded 65 combined tackles, eight pass deflections, six tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and an interception. The former Baylor star had a 63.6 completion percentage allowed on targets and a 97.1 pass rating allowed when targeted but allowed four receiving TDs. Lastly, the 25-year-old defensive back had a 71.3 coverage (27th among 171 eligible safeties) and a 79.5 run defense grade (22nd), per Pro Football Focus.
That said, he’ll see if Pitre can continue to play at a high level over the next few years as the Texans have a good young defense that can compete in the AFC.