Nick Caserio made a couple big moves in the form of contract extensions this week, solidifying Derek Stingley Jr. and Danielle Hunter as Houston Texans for the foreseeable future. Stingley signed a 3 year, $90 million extension while Hunter, who was set to be a free agent after the 2025-2026 season was extended for 1 more year and a whopping $35.6 million. In an offseason of uncertainty and disappointment, these are two very important moves that will help the Texans in the not so distant future. Below I will break down each move, and explain why these are two excellent moves by Caserio.
Timing Of Stingley Jr. Extension Is Key
Nick Caserio and the Texans had the right idea as far as the timing of getting this deal done goes. The Carolina Panthers just extended their star CB Jaycee Horn to a tune of 4 years and $100 million. Jets star CB Sauce Gardner is due up soon, and it was imperative that the Texans got ahead of that as fast as possible. This was by no means a cheap deal. The Texans sent the message that they take care of their own, with 89 of the 90 million dollars being guaranteed. Stingley will make an APY of $30 million, and while that may be a steep price for the new years of his contract, it’s important to keep in mind that he had a 5th year option worth $12.5 million for 2026 in his previous contract which when you calculate the total APY for 2026-2029, comes out to a $25.5 million APY. Stingley has had injury concerns, but has been healthy as of late and very effective to the tune of having an All-Pro season in 2024. I view this deal as a strategic gamble in the sense that they are very cognizant of his injury concerns, but also very aware of the type of pro he has been in his time here. By 2027, when the extension truly kicks in, the $30 APY may not look like a whole lot considering the cap going up, and comparing his number to the numbers that other players at his position might be signing for.
Hunter Returns For 2 More Years, Solidifying The Dynamic Edge Rushing Duo For The Near Future
Hunter, who was set to be a free agent after the 2025 season, reached a deal with the Texans on a 1 year $35.6 million deal which technically makes him the second highest paid defensive end in the NFL. It was a well deserved deal as Hunter was a key piece on the Texans defense, amassing a total of 12 sacks and 17 TFL’s. There were concerns that Hunter would slow down in his age 30 season, but those questions were answered as he was one half of one of the most dynamic pass rush duo’s in the entire NFL. Whether or not the Texans choose to address his potential replacement down the line in the NFL Draft is yet to be seen, but for now the message was sent as an organization that they take care of their own, as seen with the Stingley and Hunter extensions. This is key when considering the plethora of players due for extensions in the coming years such as Jalen Pitre, Will Anderson Jr., and C.J Stroud. The Terminator Will Anderson Jr., and the Cyborg Danielle Hunter will return in 2025 and beyond, set to terrorize opposing offenses.
