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Texans Star Derek Stingley Jr. Raves About New Teammate

Originally posted on The Spun | By Michael Cavallo | Last updated Mar 20, 2025 1:29 PM ET

Just days after the Houston Texans made Derek Stingley Jr. the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history, the All-Pro cornerback sat down with the media to discuss his three-year, $90 million contract extension and the newcomers entering the organization.

During Wednesday's press conference at NRG Stadium, Stingley discussed the acquisition of former Philadelphia Eagle C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Houston acquired Gardner-Johnson from Philadelphia in exchange for offensive lineman Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-round pick this season as the Texans try to boost their defensive secondary.

Last season, Gardner-Johnson helped the Eagles clinch their Super Bowl victory. He was exceptional in coverage, totaling six interceptions and 12 pass breakups.

TRENDING: #Texans star Derek Stingley Jr. talks about adding C.J. Gardner-Johnson to an already wild Houston secondary.

“He gone bring a whole nother, like.. just… like Kamari.. like craziness”

CRAZY SECONDARY OF CRASHOUTS.

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— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 19, 2025

Stingley stated in the press conference, "He (Gardner-Johnson) is going to bring a whole other- like Kamari Lassiter, the craziness. I think he will gel well with the rest of us, and we are just going to go out there and have fun.” Stingley watched Lassiter significantly impact the Texans' secondary in 2024, and he expects the same impact from Gardner-Johnson in 2025.

Since being drafted out of Florida in 2019, Gardner-Johnson has 18 career picks, 51 pass breakups and four sacks. The do-it-all defensive back could be the missing link for Houston's secondary. He has a hard-hitting play style, aggressive demeanor and alpha dog mentality that should fit the Texans' DNA.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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