

By Dianna Russini, Mike Jones and Cale Clinton
The Houston Texans continue to keep their young defensive talent in-house, agreeing to terms with safety Jalen Pitre on a three-year extension worth $39 million and more than $29 million guaranteed, a league source confirmed to The Athletic. The move reportedly would make Pitre the highest-paid nickel back in the league.
The Texans continue to lock up pieces of their secondary, agreeing to terms on a three-year extension with S Jalen Pitre with $39 million in new money, per source. pic.twitter.com/ZnbDMlAbD3
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 11, 2025
Drafted by Houston at No. 37 in the 2022 NFL Draft, Pitre was an immediate starter in his rookie season. He led the Texans in combined tackles (147), interceptions (five) and finished tied for the team lead in passes defended (eight) his rookie season, also adding a forced fumble and sack across 17 starts. The effort helped Pitre finish fifth in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
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Over the last three seasons, Pitre has been featured heavily at both strong safety and free safety, mixing in some additional snaps at slot corner as well. In 2024, he played his highest snap count at nickel corner, with 434 of his 668 snaps in the slot, according to Pro Football Focus.
Pitre finished the season with one interception, eight passes defended and 65 combined tackles in 12 games. He suffered a season-ending partially torn pectoral muscle in Week 12.
Houston has made a concerted investment in defense through the draft. In 2022, it used the No. 3 pick on cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and selected Pitre in the following round. The Texans traded up the next year to select edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. at No. 3. In 2024, Houston selected cornerback Kamari Lassiter in the second round with its top overall pick of the draft, then added safety Calen Bullock at No. 78.
The investments have paid off so far. Houston finished the 2024 season third in defensive passing DVOA, allowing just 5.7 net yards per pass attempt (third-lowest), and making 19 interceptions (second-most).
Houston keeps its young secondary intact
The Texans entered this offseason with the goal of keeping their impressive, young secondary intact, and after extending Stingley with a handsome three-year, $90 million contract in March, now they reward Pitre. When healthy, he has displayed great versatility and playmaking ability. A member of the 2022 PFWA All-Rookie Team, the Baylor product has recorded 296 tackles, 21 pass breakups and six interceptions in three seasons. — Mike Jones, national NFL writer
(Photo: Maddie Malhotra / Getty Images)
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