The Houston Texans have come to terms with defensive lineman Danielle Hunter on a 1 year, $35.6M contract extension the club announced.
Hunter, who previously signed a 2 year, $49M contract with the team as a free agent will receive a $12.5M raise in 2025, while now being tied to the club through the 2026 NFL campaign. In total, he’s set to earn $55.1M, with $54.1M of that fully guaranteed over the next two seasons ($27.55M AAV).
Houston’s defence took a noticeable step forward last season, ranking 5th in the league in sacks, 2nd in interceptions, 5th in total defence, and 5th in takeaways.
The 30 year old former Viking registered 12 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble across 17 starts for the Texans in 2024. As a result, he was named to his 3rd consecutive Pro Bowl, marking the 5th such time he’s earned that honour throughout his career.
Houston went 10-7, winning the AFC South title for the second year in a row, before eventually bowing out to the Chiefs in the 2nd round 23-14.
The Hunter signing is the latest notable move in a busy offseason for the Texans. On Monday they agreed to a 3 year, $90M extension with CB Derek Stingley Jr., making him the highest paid corner in NFL history. Prior to that, the club traded for C.J. Gardner Johnson, and Christian Kirk, signed DE Derek Barnett to a 1 year deal, and brought in corner Ronald Darby on a 1 year, $2.5M contract as well.
Hunter will look to record his 100th NFL sack in 2025, becoming the 46th player in league history to hit triple digits since sacks became an official statistic back in 1982. He currently sits at 99.5 sacks over the course of his 136 game career.
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