Danielle Hunter is making the big bucks!
The Houston Texans went all out on defense this offseason after reeling in several key additions through free agency. However, on Wednesday, the franchise rewarded superstar edge rusher Danielle Hunter by giving him a new contract extension. He'll be a key piece to the defense for the long haul.
Hunter signed a one-year, $35.6 million extension with the Texans, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. He's now set to make $54.1 million in fully guaranteed money in the next two seasons.
“The Texans and Danielle Hunter have agreed to a one-year, $35.6 million contract extension that makes him the NFL’s second-highest paid defensive end, per sources. Hunter will make $32M this season — a $12.5M raise — and $55.1M ($54.1M fully guaranteed) over the next two seasons. Deal negotiated by Zeke Sandhu of Klutch Sports.”
Danielle Hunter is now the second-highest paid defensive end only behind Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett. The 2024 season was Hunter's first away from the Minnesota Vikings. He proved to be ultra-consistent in Houston, recording 46 total tackles (31 solo), 12 sacks, and a forced fumble. His efforts earned him his fifth career Pro Bowl appearance.
This is the team's second notable contract extension, as the Texans gave cornerback Derek Stingly a three-year, $90 million deal. Houston has made sure to bulk up its defense in an effort to remain more competitive against opposing offenses.
Houston finished last season with the NO. 6 ranked overall defense. The Texans allowed an average of 315 total yards of offense per game. The pass defense shined the most, as the unit held opponents to an average of just 201 passing yards per game.
Hunter's presence on the defensive line helped the Texans' secondary tremendously. He, along with teammate Will Anderson, proved to be a reliable force on the edge. That will continue into next season and beyond as Houston continues building the roster for a potential deep run in the playoffs in 2025.
Houston Texans Called Out for Major Free Agency Mistake
The Houston Texans have actually been very active this NFL offseason, but not in the way that fans would have hoped.
The Texans haven't really made any huge additions, and they traded away star offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil for a package of draft picks.
Considering Houston entered free agency with very little cap room, it's no surprise that the Texans haven't been major players on the open market, but Bryce Martino of Toro Times is calling out Houston for what he feels is one big mistake in particular: not signing defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
"The Texans' defensive tackles aren’t the best, with Tim Settle Jr and Sheldon Rankins back for his second stint with the team," Martino wrote. "Allen, who was released by the Washington Commanders, signed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Coming off of an injury-plagued season, his numbers weren’t the best. However, at 30 years old, Allen can still produce at a high level."
Allen missed half of last season due to a torn pectoral muscle, but he has historically been one of the most productive players at his position since he has been in the league.
"If Houston was able to pair him with Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter on the edges, Houston’s defensive line would’ve been complete," Martino added. "Rankins and Settle are a solid duo inside, but the Texans are still missing a playmaker there."
Here's the thing, though: Houston almost certainly wouldn't have been able to afford the contract Allen landed from the Vikings. It would have taken some significant financial gymnastics for the Texans to swing that deal, and it may not have been worth it for an aging player.
Plus, Houston still has the NFL Draft to add some significant pieces next month.
