Jalen Pitre, Houston Texans Agree to Three-Year, $39 Million Extension

The Houston Texans have secured another cornerstone of their defense, agreeing to a three-year, $39 million contract extension with safety Jalen Pitre, sources confirmed Friday. The deal, which includes $29.2 million in guaranteed money, makes Pitre the highest-paid nickel defender in the NFL, underscoring Houston’s commitment to locking in its young talent.

Pitre, a second-round pick out of Baylor in the 2022 NFL Draft, has been a standout in the Texans’ secondary since his rookie season. The 25-year-old Houston native burst onto the scene with 147 combined tackles, five interceptions, and eight passes defensed in 2022, finishing fifth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Despite a season-ending pectoral injury in Week 12 of the 2024 campaign, Pitre’s versatility and aggressive play style have made him a vital part of head coach DeMeco Ryans’ defensive scheme.

“Jalen’s a playmaker, a leader, and someone who embodies what we’re building here,” Ryans said. “His energy and instincts are contagious, and we’re thrilled to keep him in Houston for years to come.”

The extension comes on the heels of another major investment in the Texans’ secondary. Last month, Houston signed cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. to a three-year, $90 million deal, making him the highest-paid defensive back in league history. With Pitre now locked in through 2028, the Texans are building a formidable defensive backfield around their 2022 draft class.

Pitre’s 2024 season, though cut short, showcased his growth as a nickelback. He recorded 65 tackles, one interception, and eight passes defensed in 12 games, earning praise for his run defense and ability to pressure quarterbacks. Pro Football Focus named him the Texans’ most improved player, highlighting his seven pressures on 49 pass-rush attempts.

“This is home,” Pitre said earlier this week at a community event. “I love this city, and I want to keep making plays for the Texans.”

The Texans’ aggressive offseason moves signal their intent to remain a contender in the AFC South. Alongside Pitre and Stingley’s extensions, Houston traded for safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and signed pass rusher Danielle Hunter to a one-year deal, bolstering a defense that ranked third in passing DVOA in 2024.