Spongebob Squarepants character Patrick Star reacts to Derek Stingley Jr.'s fourth quarter interception in Texans-Chargers Wild Card game

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.

In terms of future talks, the Texans can push it back by exercising the fifth-year club option. If they do that, it could just be to create more time for talks and create a placeholder for his deal. The Texans want to stay in business with Stingley for years and years to come. Both sides are properly motivated.

Derek Stingley Jr. has spent all of his NFL career with the Houston Texans. The cornerback said Monday he hopes that doesn’t change soon, or ever. “I want to be here forever,” Stingley said. Stingley is eligible for an extension for the first time this offseason as he heads into the final year of his rookie deal.

Could Houston have another All-Pro roaming its defensive backfield in 2025? Derek Stingley Jr. seems to think so.

When Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans looks to improve, he won’t gaze too long at his defense. The unit he leads made strides in 2024, leaping to sixth in the NFL in yards allowed per game (315.0) from a middle-of-the-pack 14th in 2023 (330.

Tucker Fisk saw his role expand in the back half of the season, as he thrived mainly as a blocker, finishing in the top 15 in both PFF's pass and run blocking grades among tight ends with at least 100 blocking snaps. But arguably the biggest boost the Chargers saw from the group came from Stone Smartt, who came on strong late in the season.

Saquon Barkley’s 205-yard night and Jalen Carter’s late heroics helped the Eagles hold off a Rams rally to secure a 28-22 victory and advance to the NFC Championship.