Who Should I Start? Derek Stingley Jr. or Damarri Mathis

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.

Sunday, August 25, 6:46 PM

Denver Broncos defensive back Damarri Mathis (ankle) was removed early during Sunday's preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals. Mathis had to be carted off the field after suffering what looked to be a bad ankle injury during Sunday's game. The assumption is that the Broncos will have Mathis undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. At the moment, it's uncertain if Mathis will be ready to play in the regular season opener. That being said, Riley Moss would likely be the next man up to start alongside Patrick Surtain, assuming Mathis misses time. The absence of Mathis would certainly be a hit to the Broncos secondary.