Texans Sign Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter to $40.1M Contract Extension

The deal keeps the veteran defensive end in Houston through 2027.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Houston Texans have agreed to a one-year, $40.1 million contract extension with Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter, including a $30.7 million signing bonus. The extension keeps the 31-year-old Hunter with the Texans through the 2027 season.

Why it matters

Retaining a top pass rusher like Danielle Hunter is crucial for the Texans as they look to build on a strong defensive season in 2025 where they allowed the fewest yards per game and ranked second in points yielded. Hunter's presence and production will be key to the Texans' continued defensive success.

The details

Hunter, who has made the Pro Bowl five times in his 10-year career, is coming off a 2025 season where he had 54 tackles, 15 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 22 quarterback hits. He started all 17 games for the Texans, also recording three forced fumbles and three passes defended.

  • The Texans and Hunter agreed to the one-year, $40.1 million extension on March 5, 2026.
  • Hunter initially signed a two-year, $49 million deal with the Texans as a free agent in 2024 after spending the first eight seasons of his career with the Minnesota Vikings.
  • He then signed a one-year, $35.6 million extension with the Texans during the 2025 offseason.

The players

Danielle Hunter

A 31-year-old Pro Bowl defensive end who has spent the last three seasons with the Houston Texans after playing the first eight years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings.

Rod Wright

The defensive line coach for the Houston Texans who praised Hunter's play and demeanor in an interview.

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What they’re saying

“He's also physical and relentless, but a little bit more methodical, a little bit more unorthodox. Hard to guess what he's going to do from play to play when it comes to rushing. Both are very disciplined when it comes to the run game. And both guys obviously present a challenge to any opposing lineman they're going against.”

— Rod Wright, Texans Defensive Line Coach (KPRC2)

“With D-Hunt, he's been there, done that. Seen it all, doesn't overreact to anything. Very calm demeanor, kind of the Yin and Yang type of deal. Both have a presence about them, but it's very different. Don't sleep on Danielle's personality. Really funny guy, likes to have fun as well. Got to behind closed doors, though. If you don't really know him, he's kind of a more reserved type of guy.”

— Rod Wright, Texans Defensive Line Coach (KPRC2)

What’s next

The Texans will look to build on their strong 2025 defensive season with Danielle Hunter anchoring the defensive line for the next several years.

The takeaway

Retaining top defensive talent like Danielle Hunter is crucial for the Texans as they aim to maintain their status as one of the NFL's premier defensive units. Hunter's combination of production, experience, and leadership will be invaluable as the team continues to develop its young core.