The Houston Texans have agreed to sign superstar edge rusher Danielle Hunter, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
It’s a two-year, $49 million deal that could be worth up to $51 million with incentives. It features $48 million in guaranteed money, so it’s nearly fully guaranteed.
Hunter was one of the last big-name pass rushers still remaining in free agency, and now, he has found a home.
The 29-year-old is coming off of a terrific 2023 campaign with the Minnesota Vikings in which he racked up 83 tackles, 16.5 sacks and four forced fumbles en route to a Pro Bowl appearance.
Hunter, who played his collegiate football at LSU, was selected by the Vikings in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
It didn’t take Hunter long to establish himself as one of the league’s best pass rushers, as he registered 56 tackles and 12.5 sacks as soon as his second season.
Then, after taking a bit of a step back in 2017, Hunter responded by rattling off 72 tackles, 14.5 sacks, a fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown in 2018, representing the first of two straight trips to the Pro Bowl for him. He posted very similar numbers in the latter year, recording 70 tackles, 14.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
A neck injury knocked Hunter out for all of 2020, and in 2021, he was limited to just seven games due to a torn pectoral muscle.
He returned in 2022 and picked up right where he left off, totaling 65 tackles, 10.5 sacks and a forced fumble before enjoying the best year of his career this past season.
The Texans may have lost Jonathan Greenard in free agency, but they have replaced him with an upgrade in Danielle Hunter.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
