Who Should I Start? Derek Stingley Jr. or Ahmad Gardner

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.

Friday, September 5, 12:32 PM

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said he expects cornerback Sauce Gardner (leg) to suit up for the Week 1 season opener on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Gardner was limited in the team's first official practice of the year on Wednesday before upgrading to a full practice session on Thursday. It's possible that the Jets ease the 25-year-old defensive back into his starting role to kick off the season this weekend, but he should be out there. It's good news for a Jets defense/special teams unit that should be considered a top-10 fantasy play in Week 1 against aging quarterback Aaron Rodgers. When fully healthy, Gardner is considered one of the best lockdown cornerbacks in the NFL.