The Houston Texans needed help on defense, especially after ranking 31st in total yards allowed per game last season.
They also ranked 23rd in pass defense, giving up 242.2 yards per game.
Those numbers prompted general manager Nick Caserio to select LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. with the third overall pick.
He was the first defensive back selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, one spot in front of Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner.
Stingley played three seasons with the Tigers, finishing with 56 solo tackles, seven tackles for losses, and 26 passes defended.
He also had six interceptions and two fumble recoveries in his stint at Baton Rouge.
Therefore, signing the 2019 Consensus All-American and two-time First-Team All-SEC is a no-brainer for the Texans.
NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport tweeted, “The #Texans have agreed to terms with No. 3 overall pick #LSU CB Derek Stingley Jr., source said. A four-year fully guaranteed deal with a fifth-year option.”
Only first-round draftees have the fifth-year option which is a one-year, fully guaranteed pay.
How Much Will Stingley Make?
Stingley, along with other top picks, is taking home a serious payday.
As always, rookies must prove their worth before they can sign the high-paying deals.
While the numbers above are no fluke, they are nothing compared to the top earners at cornerback.
Denzel Ward has the highest annual average value at $20,100,000, while Jalen Ramsey isn’t far behind at $20,000,000.
If Stingley turns out to be like those elite defensive backs, he can also command the same price tag, if not higher.
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