SAY WATT?
Let's put this myth to bed regarding the Texans and JJ Watt
Feb 18, 2021, 4:42 pm
Why didn't they trade him? Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images
Chiefs once again remind Texans what a real championship contender looks like
It's hardly a secret the Houston Texans have made more questionable decisions in the past two years than any other organization in the NFL.
From trading DeAndre Hopkins for an overpaid, underperforming running back to the speculated issues between Texans' ownership and all-world quarterback Deshaun Watson, it is understandable to question every move the team makes.
Here is a myth Texans fans should steer away from believing: theHouston Texans should've received SOMETHING for J.J. Watt.
First off, the Texans were two years late expecting to trade Watt for any decent return. The time was in 2018 when Watt's stock skyrocketed after injury plagued seasons in 2016 and 2017. Watt had 16 sacks in 2018.
Watt had compiled a long list of injuries up to 2018. In 2016, Watt had two back surgeries to repair herniated disks. In 2017, Watt underwent another surgery to repair a tibial plateau fracture in his left leg. There were plenty of rumors heading into the 2018 season regarding Watt being traded or even released. His All-Pro performance that year was a surprise, but brought a perfect opportunity for the Texans to flip Watt for a younger player or draft picks.
I'm sure Texans fans can guess who botched that one. The off-season heading into 2019 saw Texans ownership fire general manager Brian Gaine, and presented head coach Bill O'Brien with full control over every move the franchise made. It was also the off-season when Jack Easterby joined the Texans fold.
It wouldn't come as a surprise if the O'Brien-Easterby duo was unfamiliar with the phrase 'buy low, sell high'. Every move they made proved to be the complete opposite. A losing formula for sure.
What could the Texans have gotten for Watt after the 2018 season? Most likely a first-round pick.
The fact is, there was no one calling for J.J. Watt after the 2020 season. Which would you rather have? A beat up jalopy or a brand new Dodge Ram? Exactly. NFL executives would want the Ram, too.
But couldn't the Texans at least receive a 5th or 6th round pick for him?
No. In 2021, NFL franchises see more value in young, 6th rounders with ANY potential then J.J. Watt, a jalopy that had zero sacks and three tackles in his last two playoff appearances in 2015 and 2018. The next team that Watt goes to will obviously be a contender. Then why doesn't he consider signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Watt's contract will be short-term and earning near the league minimum.
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The Houston Texans have secured their lockdown corner for the future, agreeing to a three-year, $90 million extension with Derek Stingley Jr., according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal includes a staggering $89 million in guaranteed money, making Stingley one of the highest-paid defensive backs in NFL history.
Record deal: Texans All-Pro CB Derek Stingley Jr has agreed to a three-year, $90 million extension including $89 million guaranteed. At $30M base value per year, Stingley is now the highest paid defensive back in NFL history. The CB market has been completely reset.
Deal… pic.twitter.com/g8nzFFFQvj
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2025
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler is reporting that Stingley's extension will kick in after his fifth-year option, which the Texans picked up ahead of the extension. He's now under team control for the next five seasons.
Derek Stingley Jr.'s new deal with the #Texans includes a fifth-year option that he was slated to receive in 2026. So, he's under the #Texans' contractual control for five seasons -- two from his rookie deal, plus the three-year, $90M extension reached today.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 17, 2025
Stingley, 23, is coming off a breakout All-Pro season in which he recorded five interceptions (seven if you include the playoffs) and proved to be one of the league’s elite shutdown corners. His performance was instrumental in the Texans' defensive resurgence, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the franchise.
The only lingering concern for Houston is Stingley’s durability. While he played all 17 regular season games in 2025, it was the first time he managed a full season in the NFL. Injuries limited him to just nine games in 2022 and 11 in 2023. The Texans are banking on his ability to stay on the field, confident that his elite talent outweighs the risks.
With this extension, Houston locks in a defensive playmaker as they continue to build a championship-caliber roster around quarterback C.J. Stroud. If Stingley stays healthy, this investment could pay massive dividends for the Texans' future.
*ChatGPT assisted.