Houston Texans, DE Danielle Hunter Agree to $40.1M Extension

The deal includes a $30.7 million signing bonus for the 5-time Pro Bowler.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Houston Texans have agreed to a one-year, $40.1 million contract extension with defensive end Danielle Hunter. The deal includes a $30.7 million signing bonus and will keep Hunter under contract through the 2027 season.

Why it matters

Hunter is one of the top pass rushers in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl five times. Locking him up long-term is a major move for the Texans as they look to build a championship-caliber defense.

The details

The extension will make Hunter the fourth highest-paid pass rusher in the league in terms of average annual salary, trailing only Micah Parsons, Aidan Hutchinson, and T.J. Watt. Hunter, 31, has recorded at least 10.5 sacks in 8 of his last 9 full seasons, including a career-high 16.5 sacks in 2023 with the Minnesota Vikings.

  • The extension was agreed to on March 6, 2026.
  • Hunter was set to become a free agent in 2027 prior to the new deal.

The players

Danielle Hunter

A 31-year-old defensive end who has made 5 Pro Bowls and is considered one of the top pass rushers in the NFL.

Houston Texans

The NFL franchise based in Houston, Texas that has agreed to the contract extension with Danielle Hunter.

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What’s next

The contract extension will keep Danielle Hunter under contract with the Houston Texans through the 2027 season.

The takeaway

Securing a top pass rusher like Danielle Hunter on a long-term extension is a major move for the Houston Texans as they look to build a championship-caliber defense in the coming years.