Danielle Hunter, Houston Texans
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Danielle Hunter #55 of the Houston Texans celebrates after sacking Justin Fields #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Houston Texans remain one of the most proactive teams ahead of the 2026 offseason, which officially begins with free agency on March 11. For their latest roster move, though, the Texans thought even further out with defensive end Danielle Hunter.
Hunter is coming off his second season with the Texans after nine with the Minnesota Vikings, and he has shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Because of that, the Texans took care of the five-time Pro Bowl playmaker.
Texans Reach New Deal With Danielle Hunter
Danielle Hunter, Houston Texans
GettyDanielle Hunter #55 of the Houston Texans reacts against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Texans entered the offseason in an interesting spot, boasting a roster good enough to win 12 games and reach the AFC Divisional Playoffs, including Hunter. However, they fell short in that round, and they face some difficult decisions regarding their roster this offseason.
Hunter, who earned his second Second Team All-Pro nod in 2025, was not among them.
“BREAKING: The #Texans and 5x Pro Bowl DE Danielle Hunter are finalizing a 1-year, $40.1M fully guaranteed extension, per sources,” Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported on X on March 5.
“Hunter has been on fully guaranteed money with Houston since arriving in 2024, totaling $124.7M, and this deal takes him to over $218M in career earnings. Deal done by @ZekeSandhu of @KlutchSports. [moneybag emojis]”
Schultz continued in another post quoting his initial report on the new deal for the edge defender, noting “Danielle Hunter had 15 sacks last year and has 27 sacks in two years with Houston — and 114.5 in his decorated career,” and that the Texans “know his value and continue to reward him in a massive way.”
The news was well-received.
The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander noted that Hunter has “shown no signs of slowing down, so I get it.”
Danielle Hunter Cashes In as Contract Details Emerge
Danielle Hunter, Houston Texans
GettyDanielle Hunter #55 of the Houston Texans looks on before a game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Hunter initially signed a two-year, $49 million contract with the Texans in free agency during the 2023 offseason, but the two sides renegotiated it into a two-year, $55.1 million pact by adding another year in March 2025.
This deal follows the same pattern, which essentially keeps the two sides on a year-to-year setup.
KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson revealed further details about the contract.
“More details on Danielle Hunter one-year, $40.1 million extension through 2027, per league sources: $30.7 million signing bonus, $30.2 million base salary in 2027 fully guaranteed for skill, injury and salary cap, has $500,000 per game active roster bonus,” Wilson posted.
A third-round pick in the 2015 draft, Hunter was taken 88th overall by the Vikings. He ranks third in the NFL in sacks since entering the league, and he is second since joining the Texans.
Texans Expected to Pay Will Anderson Jr.
Will Anderson, Houston Texans
GettyWill Anderson Jr. #51 of the Houston Texans celebrates a sack against the Los Angeles Chargers.
What makes Hunter’s deal most interesting is that he might not end the season as the highest-paid defensive end on the Texans’ roster.
Will Anderson Jr., the third-overall pick of the 2023 draft, is extension-eligible, too.
Several reports have suggested the Texans plan on extending Anderson this offseason, potentially with a record-setting pact. He has earned two Pro Bowl trips, one First Team All-Pro selection, and was the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Notably, the Texans have some significant needs at defensive tackle, but could again go with lower-cost options after paying their edge rushers handsomely.