Who Should I Start? Derek Stingley Jr. or Zyon McCollum

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, 3:18 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum has signed a three-year, $48 million extension with the team that includes $35.4 million guaranteed, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. McCollum was graded by Pro Football Focus as the 54th-best corner in the NFL last season out of 222 qualified players at the position. The 26-year-old is now under contract in Tampa Bay through 2028. The Buccaneers play their division rival, the Atlanta Falcons, in Week 1, so McCollum will get a chance to earn his new money right away when matched up with star Falcons wide receiver Drake London.