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

Monday, January 20, 12:49 PM

When asked about a potential contract extension now that he's eligible for one, Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. said, "Yeah I want to be here forever." The 23-year-old former third overall pick by the Texans in the 2022 NFL draft out of LSU just wrapped up his third year in the NFL and was a Pro Bowler and All-Pro for the first time in his career. In 17 regular-season starts for the Texans in 2024, Stingley had a career-high 54 tackles (37 solo), a career-high-tying five interceptions and four tackles for loss. If the Texans don't give Stingley a long-term contract extension this offseason, they will most likely pick up his fifth-year option to at least keep him around through the 2026 season. He played a career-high 1,012 defensive snaps for the Texans this year and is surely well-deserving of a contract extension either this offseason or next.

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.