The Houston Texans have been making serious moves to solidify their defense, and their latest deal proves they mean business. After already having the highest-paid cornerback on their roster in All-Pro standout Derek Stingley Jr., who signed a massive three-year, $90 million extension, they’ve now locked in another defensive superstar.
The Texans have officially secured defensive end Danielle Hunter with a lucrative one-year, $35.6 million contract extension, ensuring he stays in Houston through 2026. This move makes him the second-highest-paid defensive end in the NFL, trailing only Las Vegas Raiders’ Maxx Crosby, who leads all defensive ends in total earnings at $33.3 million. Interestingly, Myles Garrett—who just set the record as the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history—will earn only $24.8 million next season, though that figure is expected to rise in the coming years.
Big Numbers, Big Expectations
Hunter was entering the final year of his two-year, $49.1 million contract, which he signed last offseason after spending nine impressive seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. The Texans had high hopes for him, especially considering his stellar performance last season, where he led the NFL with 23 tackles for loss. And he did not disappoint.
Despite a slow start to the season, the five-time All-Pro defensive end finished strong, racking up 12 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, 46 total tackles, and 23 quarterback hits. His impact was undeniable, helping lead the Texans to their second straight AFC South division title and a thrilling playoff victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card round.
A Defensive Duo to Be Reckoned With
What makes Houston’s defense even scarier is the presence of 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. alongside Hunter. The two pass-rushers wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks all season. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, only two players managed to pressure the quarterback on at least 25% of their pass-rush snaps throughout the season, including the playoffs. Those two? Hunter and Anderson. Anderson had a 25.9% pressure rate, proving that this duo is among the league’s most dominant.
Their relentless pursuit of quarterbacks played a massive role in Houston’s defensive success. The Texans finished the 2024 season among the league’s best in turnovers, grabbing 19 interceptions (second most in the NFL) and securing 29 takeaways overall (fifth most). That kind of defensive production is a game-changer, making Houston’s unit one of the most feared in the league.
Breaking Records and Making History
Hunter’s presence was instrumental in the Texans finishing the season with the most sacks in franchise history. That kind of dominance doesn’t come cheap, and Houston knows he’s worth every penny. As part of his new deal, Hunter will see a $12 million pay bump in 2025, bringing his salary for that year to $32 million. In 2026, he’ll collect the remaining amount from his $35.6 million extension, pushing his total earnings to over $55 million for the next two seasons.
With Hunter locked in, Houston’s front office has made it clear that they’re all in on building a championship-caliber defense. Pairing him with young stars like Stingley Jr. and Anderson Jr. sets the Texans up for continued success and gives them one of the most formidable defensive units in the NFL.
Looking Ahead
Houston’s investment in defense is already paying off, and with Hunter committed for the next couple of seasons, the Texans have positioned themselves as serious contenders. The combination of veteran leadership and young talent creates a lethal mix that could propel them deep into the playoffs once again. If Hunter and Anderson continue their dominant play, opposing quarterbacks will have nightmares about facing this Texans defense.
For Houston fans, this is an exciting time. The team is not only retaining key players but also setting itself up for sustained success. With Hunter staying in town and the defense continuing to evolve, the Texans are proving they’re not just here to compete—they’re here to win.
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