Who Should I Start? Derek Stingley Jr. or Cam Taylor-Britt

Monday, March 17, 1:01 PM

The Houston Texans made cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. the highest-paid defensive back in the league on Monday by agreeing to terms on a three-year, $90 million deal ($30 million per year) that includes a whopping $89 million guaranteed, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The 23-year-old former third overall pick by Houston in the 2022 NFL draft out of LSU was a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro for the first time in 2024 after recording a career-high 54 tackles (37 solo), five interceptions for the second straight year and 18 pass breakups in 17 regular-season starts. It was the first time he was able to stay healthy for an entire season in his third year in the league after playing in just 20 games in 2022 and 2023 combined. But Stingley proved last year that he's the real deal and he added two more interceptions in two playoff games.

Wednesday, December 27, 10:19 AM

The Cincinnati Bengals opened the 21-day practice window for cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (ankle) to return from Injured Reserve. The second-year pro was placed on IR on December 4 after suffering an ankle injury in practice. The Bengals have allowed the fifth-most passing yards per game (256.1) this year, so his return to the lineup could provide a boost for the struggling secondary. Taylor-Britt tallied 46 tackles, one forced fumble, and four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) in 10 games before being sidelined. The Bengals now have 21 days to activate him to the roster, though they are on the outside looking in for an AFC Wild Card spot.