The Houston Texans made a huge splash during the second week of NFL free agency, signing star cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. to a massive contract extension. Stingley signed a three-year, $90 million contract with $89 million guaranteed.
It was only a matter of time before Stingley got his extension, especially after Jaycee Horn got his huge pay raise. Stingley met with the media this past week to discuss his extension but was also asked about the newest addition in the secondary.
The Texans bolstered their secondary in a huge way to kick off free agency, acquiring veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in a trade with the Houston Texans. Stingley is excited to play with the veteran defensive back this upcoming season.
“He gone bring a whole nother, like..just… like Kamari..like craziness,” the All-Pro cornerback said (h/t Houston Stressans). “C.J., he gone bring that too. I think he’ll gel well with the rest of us and we just going out there and have fun.”
Derek Stingley Jr. on C.J. Gardner-Johnson being added to the Texans secondary:
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) March 19, 2025
“He gone bring a whole nother, like.. just… like Kamari.. like craziness” 🤣
🎥 @KHOU / @HoustonTexans pic.twitter.com/k22oXQu52r
The 27-year-old defensive back is coming off a Super Bowl title with the Eagles after making his second trip to the big time in the last three seasons. Last season, Gardner-Johnson recorded 59 combined tackles, 12 pass deflections, six interceptions (tied for career-high), two tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.
According to PFF, the veteran defensive back wasn’t great at stopping the run (60.8 grade, 116th among 171 qualified safeties). However, Gardner-Johnson had an excellent 82.6 coverage grade (eighth among 171 safeties).
Gardner-Johnson gave up his fair share of receiving touchdowns (8 – career-high) but had a 62.2 completion percentage allowed on targets and an 89.0 pass rating allowed when targeted.
A Texans’ secondary that features Stingley, Gardner-Johnson, Kamari Lassiter, Jalen Pitre, and Calen Bullock is pretty good and could elevate Houston to another level in 2025.