Danielle Hunter Secures Future with Texans with Million-Dollar Extension
The Houston Texans’ defense has begun to secure its future with a significant deal. Danielle Hunter, the standout defensive end, has signed a one-year contract extension for $40 million, according to sources close to the team.
This agreement represents Hunter’s second extension with the Texans, after signing a two-year, $49 million contract in March 2024. Previously, Hunter had a successful eight-year stint with the Minnesota Vikings.
After a 2024 season where he accumulated 12 sacks and was selected for the Pro Bowl, the Texans rewarded Hunter with a one-year extension and $35.6 million. In addition, he was granted a $12 million raise for 2025, raising his salary to $32 million.
In his second year with Houston, Hunter surpassed his debut season, achieving 15 sacks (third in the NFL) and 15 tackles for loss (eighth). His performance earned him a second-team All-Pro selection, while the Texans’ defense ranked second in points allowed (17.4 per game) and total yards allowed (279.1 per game).
This is the first of several agreements expected to be made on the Texans’ defense. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who was selected for the Pro Bowl, is in the last year of a three-year, $34 million contract he signed in 2024. Al-Shaair is also expected to get an extension.
The same expectation exists for Will Anderson Jr., the third overall pick of 2023. The Alabama defensive end had a standout year in 2025, finishing with 20 tackles for loss (fourth) and 12 sacks (tied for eighth). Anderson earned his first All-Pro first-team selection and his second Pro Bowl appearance.
The Texans are looking to secure their defensive pillars long-term, after awarding a three-year, $90 million extension to cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and a three-year, $39 million contract to nickelback Jalen Pitre in 2025.
