Offensive lines beware: the NFL’s fiercest pass-rushing tandem is staying together for another year.
The Houston Texans have agreed to a one-year, $40.1 million extension with edge rusher Danielle Hunter, per multiple reports. Hunter signed a two-year deal with the Texans in the 2024 free agent period and a one-year extension last offseason.
This latest deal keeps him with Houston through 2027.
Hunter, 31, was a second-team All-Pro last season for the second time in his 10-year career. He racked up 15 sacks across from Will Anderson Jr. – his fourth season with double-digit sacks.
With Hunter and Anderson up front and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. leading the way in the secondary, Houston had the second-best scoring defense in the NFL in 2025. Anderson and Stingley were first-team All-Pros in addition to Hunter’s second-team appearance.
Hunter hit 100 career sacks in 2025 with his two sacks in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His 114.5 career sacks are sixth among active players behind Von Miller (138.5), Cameron Jordan (132), Myles Garrett (125.5), Calais Campbell (117) and T.J. Watt (115).
Hunter was drafted in the third round, No. 88 overall out of LSU by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015. He spent nine years with the Vikings and played eight seasons for the team, missing the entire 2020 season recovering from neck surgery.
He’s led the Texans in sacks each season with the team.
Danielle Hunter contract details
Hunter and the Texans agreed to an extra year on his current deal.
Years: 1
Total amount: $40.1 million
Danielle Hunter career earnings
Hunter’s been paid well to rush the passer for the last decade. Here’s his career earnings, per OverTheCap:
Total earnings: $186,091,224
Career annual average value (AAV): $16,917,384
