Texans Restructure Stingley Jr.'s $113M Contract for Cap Flexibility

Houston creates more financial wiggle room ahead of free agency by converting majority of Stingley's salary into a signing bonus.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Houston Texans have restructured the $113 million contract of star cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. by converting $21.59 million of his 2026 salary into a signing bonus. This move lowers Stingley's 2026 salary cap figure by $27.09 million, giving the Texans more financial flexibility as they prepare for free agency. The team is also expected to restructure the contracts of other key players like Danielle Hunter, Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz, and Jalen Pitre in order to create additional cap space.

Why it matters

With free agency around the corner, the Texans are proactively creating cap space to be able to sign new talent and remain competitive in the AFC. Stingley is a cornerstone of their defense, so maintaining his services long-term is crucial. Restructuring his deal, along with other key players, gives the front office more financial flexibility to address the team's needs, especially on the offensive line.

The details

Reports indicate the Texans have finalized a restructure of Stingley's contract, converting $21.59 million of his $27.09 million 2026 salary into a signing bonus. This lowers his 2026 cap hit, giving the team more room to operate in free agency. The Texans are also expected to restructure the deals of other high-profile players like Danielle Hunter, Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz, and Jalen Pitre in the coming weeks.

  • Stingley's contract restructure was finalized on March 6, 2026.
  • The Texans are expected to restructure other player contracts ahead of the start of free agency on March 9, 2026.

The players

Derek Stingley Jr.

A 25-year-old cornerback for the Houston Texans who is coming off another First-Team All-Pro season.

Danielle Hunter

A defensive end for the Houston Texans who is seeking a contract extension from the team.

Nico Collins

A wide receiver for the Houston Texans whose contract is expected to be restructured.

Dalton Schultz

A tight end for the Houston Texans whose contract is expected to be restructured.

Jalen Pitre

A defensive back for the Houston Texans whose contract is expected to be restructured.

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What they’re saying

“Texans have finalized previously planned restructure for Derek Stingley Jr., simple conversion majority of $21.59 million salary into bonus, lowering $27.09 million salary cap figure, per NFL source. Makes same [money], team has financial flexibility.”

— Aaron Wilson, KPRC 2 Houston Reporter (KPRC 2 Houston)

What’s next

The Texans are expected to continue restructuring the contracts of other key players like Danielle Hunter, Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz, and Jalen Pitre in the coming days to create additional cap space ahead of free agency, which opens on March 9, 2026.

The takeaway

By proactively restructuring the contract of star cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and expected to do the same with other top players, the Houston Texans are positioning themselves to be active participants in free agency. This financial maneuvering will allow the team to address roster needs, particularly on the offensive line, as they look to build on last season's 12-5 record and make a deeper playoff run in 2026.