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Jalen Pitre #5 of the Houston Texans takes the field before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Houston Texans have already addressed their roster on multiple fronts, and that now includes former second-round pick Jalen Pitre.
Pitre has proven to be one of the most valuable members of their team on what is inarguably the strong unit in terms of all four starters: the Texans’ secondary. So, it stands to reason that the Texans would remain proactive.
This decision is actually to benefit the team.
Texans Follow Trend With Jalen Pitre
GettyJalen Pitre #5 of the Houston Texans reacts against the New England Patriots.
The Texans selected Pitre, who turns 27 in June, with the 37th overall pick of the 2022 draft. A safety by trade, he mans the nickelback role, bringing a linebacker’s mentality in a defensive back’s frame to much success.
Pitre received a three-year, $39 million contract extension in April 2025.
The Texans have adjusted Pitre’s deal, clearing up some much-needed breathing room under the salary cap for this offseason.
“#Texans Jalen Pitre full breakdown of restructure: $7.785M of base salary converted to signing bonus, salary cap lowered to $5.683M, new salary $1.215M, added 2029, 2030 voidable years for proration,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on March 7. “Makes same scheduled $9.5M 2026.”
Additionally, Wilson noted Pitre will earn $9.5 million in 2027 and 2028, with $14.5 million cap hits in both seasons. Similarly, he will earn $20 million in 2029 and 2030, both “voidable,” with $21.5 million cap hits.
There was seemingly even more wiggle room that could have been created.
“Converting CB Jalen Pitre’s 2026 salary into signing bonus (plus void years) can free up $6.7M of cap space,” Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti wrote in January.
Texans Continue Re-Working DB Room Deals
GettyDerek Stingley Jr. #24 of the Houston Texans returns a interception for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons.
Pitre’s deal comes as the Texans did the same with All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who is signed through 2029 on a three-year, $90 million pact. Wilson updated the details of Stingley’s restructure, too.
“#Texans Derek Stingley Jr. full breakdown of restructure: 2026: $20.38M of salary converted to signing bonus, salary down to $1.215M, salary cap down to $10.791M, makes same $22.095M cash,” Wilson said in his post on the standout CB. “2030 voidable year added: $40M salary, $44.076M salary cap
“$126.595M over length of deal, $30M APY, $89.026M gtd, $48.026M full gtd, $41M inj gtd.”
Stingley has a $20 million salary in 2027 and $21 million in 2028 and 2029. His cap hits in those seasons are $29.6 million, $30.6 million, and $31.6 million.
Like Pitre, and even more so given his durability over the past two seasons, Stingley is a key part of the Texans’ secondary and defense as a whole. He is a two-time Pro Bowler, a two-time First Team All-Pro, and one of the NFL’s best players, not just on the Texans’ roster.
Texans Still Have Secondary Questions
GettyKamari Lassiter #4 and Calen Bullock #21 of the Houston Texans react after an interception against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Texans entered the offseason with roster questions at safety, where Pitre can line up next to fellow starter Calen Bullock, but leaves a soft spot when he moves down into his primary nickelback role.
Jaylin Smith, a third-round pick by the Texans in 2025, could fill the nickel role, allowing Pitre to move back.
However, the Texans’ questions do not end there.
They will soon face extension decisions on Bullock and corner Kamari Lassiter, both of whom were 2024 draft picks. Taken 42nd (Lassiter) and 78th overall (Bullock) in their class, both earned Pro Bowl honors this past season.
The cost of keeping Pitre, Stingley, and the rest of the group together is only continuing to climb as the Texans work to fine-tune other parts of their roster.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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