The Houston Texans and Safety Jalen Pitre agreed on a three-year $39 million contract extension Friday morning. It was a record-breaking contract. Pitre is now the league’s highest-paid nickelback with $29.15 million in guarantees.
He is coming off a strong season with the Texans. He had 65 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and one interception. A pectoral injury limited him to 12 games. The injury is not expected to impact his status for 2025. According to PFF, Pitre was the 26th-ranked safety last season. He has 296 career tackles, 6 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. Will Pitre be able to live up to the lofty expectations that come along with a historic contract?
Houston Texans Season Summary
Houston is looking to build upon back-to-back trips to the AFC Divisional Round. They have invested heavily in their defense this offseason. Pitre is the latest example of that. The Houston Texans also made Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. the highest-paid player at his position.
They also signed Defensive End Danielle Hunter, Cornerback Ronald Darby, and traded for Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Houston’s defense showed some promise last season. They were fifth in yards allowed and sixth against the pass. The Houston Texans have doubled down on defense this offseason. They need that side of the ball to live up to those investments.
Final Thoughts
Pitre’s contract illustrates the Houston Texans believe he can anchor the defense for years. As the highest-paid nickel in the league, he will be expected to be even better in 2025. He is one of many investments Houston has made to bolster its defense this offseason.
