Derek Stingley: Everything you need to know

Stingley had $20.38 million of his $21.59 million salary-cap figure converted to a signing bonus Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. The move allows the Texans to save $16 million in cap space, per Wilson. Stingley signed a three-year, $90-million extension with Houston in March of last year and then finished the 2025 regular season with 15 pass breakups, including four interceptions. He was targeted just 65 times during the regular season, down from 95 the year before.

Stingley recorded 36 tackles (26 solo), 15 passes defensed (four interceptions), a forced fumble and a touchdown over 17 regular-season games in 2025. Stingley played a full 17-game season for the second consecutive campaign, as he enhanced his legend as a shutdown corner. While the 36 tackles were a career low, it had more to do with quarterbacks not throwing his way. Stingley was targeted just 65 times after seeing 95 the previous regular season in the same number of games. There was some slippage in reception percentage and missed tackles, but Stingley remains among the league's elite cornerbacks.

Stingley (oblique) was a full participant in Friday's practice. Stingley was able to upgrade to a full participant in Friday's practice after being limited Thursday with an oblique injury he suffered in the Week 15 win over the Cardinals. The starting cornerback has played through the injury since suffering it, managing to dodge an injury designation nearly every week. The 24-year-old is all set to suit up for Monday night's wild-card round matchup with the Steelers. Stingley will start opposite Kamari Lassiter (ankle/knee) or Tremon Smith, depending on Lassiter's game-day status.