Derek Stingely Jr. is switching representations.
According to reports, the third-year Houston Texans cornerback is now being represented by agent David Mulugheta of Athletes First. Mulugheta currently represents Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, along with several other high-profile players in the NFL.
The news was first reported by NFL.com and later confirmed by The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander.
Stingley, who previously was represented by the Ballengee Group, will be eligible for a massive contract extension entering next offseason. When healthy, the former No. 3 overall has proven himself as one of the top cover corners in the sport, totaling six interceptions and 18 pass breakups in two seasons.
Third-year CB Derek Stingley changed agents today.
He's now represented by David Mulughetta, who represents C.J. Stroud, and several other high-profile players across the NFL.
Stingley will be eligible for an extension as soon as this offseason.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) August 26, 2024
Mulugheta has been known for getting his clients paid by either their current team or on the open market. He most recently helped Love receive a new four-year, $220 million deal this offseason to stick around in Green Bay.
Mulugheta also represents former Texans Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson, who following his decision to decline to play for Houston following the 2020 season, was traded to the Cleveland Browns for three first-round picks. The Browns then agreed to a new five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract with Watson through 2026.
The Texans have the option to either pick up the fifth-year option on his deal, keeping him through 2026, or re-sign him after this season. With how current contracts have gone for cornerbacks who have career years in Year 4, Houston could be wise to get ahead of schedule and ink Stingley to a new deal before the asking price expands.
IN. HIS. BAG.
📺: ABC13 pic.twitter.com/WM5ZsRwtF5
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 17, 2024
Stingley seems poised to build off a surging sophomore season. In the preseason game against the New York Giants, he intercepted Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and nearly came away with a pick-six on the opening drive.
“I haven’t seen a defensive back have as good as ball skills as he has. It’s just like a super power of his,” rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter said. “He’s just able to snatch it up out of the air. It’s just something that you really can’t teach. You can’t coach that. That’s something that God blessed him with and he uses it all the time.”
The Texans open the 2024 season on the road at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 8 against the Indianapolis Colts.
