Why Texans made $42.6 million investment in Jalen Pitre: ‘Represents everything you want in a player, and in a person’

Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre (5) and defensive end Dylan Horton (92) try to collect a fumble by Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyler Guyton during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) (Tony Gutierrez, Copyright 2024 The Associated Press All Rights Reserved)

HOUSTON – When the Texans finalized a three-year, $42.6 million contract extension for homegrown nickel Jalen Pitre, they felt extremely comfortable making that kind of hefty investment.

The deal, which included a $10 million signing bonus, $29.156 million total guaranteed, a base value of $39 million and an $18 million payout over the next 12 months, acknowledged his market value and his hard-hitting, gritty style of play.

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Now, Pitre is under contract with his hometown team through the 2028 season with base salaries of $1.656 million (fully guaranteed for skill, injury and salary cap), $9 million (fully guaranteed), $9.5 million with $8.5 million guaranteed and $9.5 million. He has up to $500,000 in per-game active roster bonuses the next two seasons and up to $1 million in per-game active roster bonuses, a rate of $58,823 per game in 2027 and 2028.

Pitre’s $13 million annual average, negotiated by veteran agents Trey Robinson and Marlon Moore of Athelite, briefly made him the highest paid nickel in the NFL before Chicago Bears slot corner Kyler Gordon eclipsed his deal with a $13. 3 million average compensation two days later.

Nonetheless, the Texans love what Pitre does for the defense and were happy to reward him with a new deal.

“Jalen represents everything you wanted in a player, and in a person,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He is consistent, hard working, very dedicated to putting the team first and doing whatever it takes for the team to be successful. He’s been an outstanding young man to work with. So, I am fired up for Jalen.

“Jalen was truly a impact player for us. When he was on the field he was all over the place, causing havoc, and we expect to see the same for a long time. So, I’m excited for Jalen, happy for him. It is a cool example of a guy who puts his head down, works hard, and does things the right way and he is rewarded for it. That is the beauty in this game and the NFL, what is provides for you and your family. Jalen is a representative of everything you can ask for.”

When the Texans drafted Pitre in the second round out of Baylor, the former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year was signed to a four-year, $8.954 million contract that included $6.323 million total guaranteed with a $3.692 million signing bonus.

After completing three NFL seasons, Pitre was playing under his original rookie deal. Pitre, one of the most active players in the community through his work with Kids Meals Inc., and the Stafford Cobras youth football and cheerleading program, became eligible to sign a contract extension, and now the deal is done.

Days before the contract was finalized, Pitre expressed his wishes to be a Texans on a long-term basis.

“Yeah, I definitely want to keep it going,” Pitre told KPRC 2 during a school assembly. “You know this is home for me. This is where all my family is, this is is where I first started playing football.

“So, it’s definitely a lot of memories here. And I definitely want to continue to play for the Houston Texans. This is my city and I love this city."

Pitre tore his pectoral last season while tackling Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd and caught the brunt of a collision with teammate Henry To’oTo’o. His absence created a void in the Texans’ defense.

Without Pitre’s hard-hitting style, it became easier for offenses to run the football. And his physical, rangy, instinctive impact in the passing game was felt as well.

Now, the Stafford graduate is on the road to recovery.

Pitre had a successful surgery and is on track to participate in some offseason activities as he continues to strengthen his chest and regain his flexibility and range of motion to prevent any future injuries. It doesn’t sound like Pitre will be practicing in the spring, at this point, but should be ready for training camp.

“Yeah, I’m not really sure if I’m gonna be able to do stuff in the spring, but I’m feeling good," Pitre said. “My team has been doing nothing but helping me progress along the way and it’s been nothing but positive steps. So, looking forward to the season for sure.”

Back at his natural nickel position, Pitre started every game before he got hurt. He recorded 65 tackles, six tackles for losses, one forced fumble, one interception and eight passes defensed in a dozen starts.

The Texans adapted to the loss of Pitre by shifting safety Jimmie Ward to nickel as his replacement. Then, Ward injured his foot and was placed on injured reserve. He underwent surgery, a successful procedure, and is on track for the offseason.

Without Pitre and Ward, the Texans eventually turned to Myles Bryant as the primary nickel. He had some solid games, but also allowed an 86-yard touchdown in a playoff win over the Los Angeles Chargers to Ladd McConkey and had trouble keeping up with the Chiefs in the divisional round.

The Texans clearly missed Pitre’s presence.

Now, Pitre and All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. are under contract for years to come. Stingley signed a three-year, $90 million contract extension.

“It’s amazing, put a smile on my face,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “It’s not the goal. Of course, the goal is to be All-Pro, to be one of the most respected, but that’s what comes with that. So, those two guys have done those things as some of the two most respected players in the NFL and to have them on my team and to see them get what I felt was due was just amazing.

“Me and (Pitre) were actually just talking about that. I was in the building a couple months ago and we were talking about it and he really wasn’t sure. But I was like, ‘Bro, you put it on tape, man. Now you just leave it to the people you entrusted to do your contract.’ And to see it go out and see him be the highest paid nickel ever is just super dope and same thing for Sting. We all knew that, though. That dude’s a baller. So, yeah, it’s dope to see.”

When Pitre is fully back, he’ll be a vital part of a loaded secondary headlined by Stingley Jr. cornerback Kamari Lassiter, safety Calen Bullock and new safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson after a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles along with veteran corner Ronald Darby.

“Oh man, we just adding more dogs to the room,” Pitre said. “So, I’m excited and I know it’s gonna be fun to just get in and get to know these guys and just get to work with them.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com


About the Author
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Aaron Wilson is an award-winning Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and www.click2houston.com. He has covered the NFL since 1997, including previous stints for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun. This marks his 10th year covering the Texans after previously covering a Super Bowl winning team in Baltimore.