Texans, Danielle Hunter Agree to Major Contract Extension

The deal ties the star defensive end to 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 a $30.7 million signing bonus for star defensive end Danielle Hunter. The extension adds an extra year onto Hunter's existing contract, keeping him on the Texans' roster until at least 2028.

Why it matters

Danielle Hunter is a key part of the Texans' elite defensive unit, coming off a Second-Team All-Pro season in 2025 where he recorded 15 sacks, 54 tackles, and 3 forced fumbles. Locking him up long-term solidifies the Texans' defensive front alongside fellow star pass rusher Will Anderson.

The details

The deal was negotiated by Zeke Sandhu of Klutch Sports. Hunter was slated to hit free agency in 2027, but the extension ties him to the Texans through the 2028 season. In 2025, Hunter's age-31 season, he played in all 17 games and put up a team-high 15 sacks along with 54 combined tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 3 forced fumbles.

  • The contract extension was agreed to on March 6, 2026.

The players

Danielle Hunter

A five-time Pro Bowl defensive end who has emerged as a star pass rusher for the Houston Texans.

Nick Caserio

The general manager of the Houston Texans, who has been very active this offseason in locking up key players like Danielle Hunter.

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What they’re saying

“The Texans and five-time Pro Bowl DE Danielle Hunter agreed to terms on a one-year, $40.1 million contract extension including a $30.7 million signing bonus, sources tell The Insiders.”

— Tom Pelissero, NFL Network Reporter (NFL Network)

What’s next

The contract extension will keep Danielle Hunter under contract with the Houston Texans through the 2028 season.

The takeaway

By locking up Danielle Hunter long-term, the Texans have ensured they will continue to have one of the NFL's premier pass rushers anchoring their defensive line for years to come, solidifying their status as an elite defensive unit in the league.