Texans Sign Star Defender to Extension Before Free Agency

Houston locks up Danielle Hunter with a lucrative new deal as they prepare to pay their 2023 first-round pick Will Anderson Jr. next.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Houston Texans have agreed to a one-year, $40.1 million contract extension with veteran defensive end Danielle Hunter, including a $30.7 million signing bonus. This deal comes as the team is expected to soon sign 2023 first-round pick and All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. to a lucrative new contract, solidifying their fearsome pass rush for the foreseeable future.

Why it matters

The Texans had one of the NFL's best defenses in 2025, ranking first in yards per game, second in points per game, and third in turnovers. Keeping their star defensive players like Hunter and the soon-to-be-paid Anderson Jr. under contract is crucial to maintaining that elite defensive unit and making another deep playoff run.

The details

Hunter, a five-time Pro Bowler, has recorded double-digit sacks in seven of his 10 NFL seasons, including 12 in 2024 and 15 in 2025 with the Texans after signing with the team in 2024. The new deal is fully guaranteed, taking his career earnings to over $218 million. Anderson Jr., the Texans' 2023 first-round pick, is expected to be the next star defender to receive a big payday from the team.

  • On Thursday night, the Texans and Danielle Hunter agreed to the one-year, $40.1 million contract extension.
  • At the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis last week, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on the ongoing contract negotiations between the Texans and Will Anderson Jr.

The players

Danielle Hunter

A five-time Pro Bowl defensive end who has recorded double-digit sacks in seven of his 10 NFL seasons, including 12 in 2024 and 15 in 2025 with the Texans after signing with the team in 2024.

Will Anderson Jr.

The Houston Texans' 2023 first-round pick and an All-Pro defensive end who is expected to be the next star defender to receive a big payday from the team.

Nick Caserio

The general manager of the Houston Texans.

DeMeco Ryans

The head coach of the Houston Texans.

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What they’re saying

“Deals come together when they come together, and a lot of times, these happen later in the spring. I wouldn't be surprised if this one happens at some point in the relatively near future. Mainly because what the Houston Texans have done and what [general manager] Nick Caserio and [head coach] DeMeco Ryans have established is a team that takes care of their stars. Every negotiation is a battle, but if you look at what the Texans have done, they have paid their guy.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network reporter (NFL Network)

“They make it a priority to reward the guys who should be rewarded. You look across that defense, and they've got a lot of guys who are really good [and] who are going to make a lot of money. I would expect Will Anderson to be first, and I would expect him to be very, very worth it.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network reporter (NFL Network)

“Hunter has been on fully guaranteed money with Houston since arriving in 2024, totaling $124.7 million, and this deal takes him to over $218 million in career earnings.”

— Jordan Schultz, NFL insider (Twitter)

What’s next

The Texans are expected to soon sign Will Anderson Jr., their 2023 first-round pick and an All-Pro defensive end, to a lucrative new contract, solidifying their fearsome pass rush for the foreseeable future.

The takeaway

The Texans' commitment to retaining their star defensive players like Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. demonstrates their focus on maintaining an elite defense that can compete for championships. This proactive approach to locking up their core talent is a key part of the team's long-term strategy.