Texans Sign DE Danielle Hunter to $40.1M Extension

The 31-year-old pass rusher will remain in Houston through 2027.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Houston Texans have signed defensive end Danielle Hunter to a one-year, $40.1 million contract extension, keeping the five-time Pro Bowler in Houston through the 2027 season. The deal includes a $30.7 million signing bonus.

Why it matters

Hunter has been a dominant pass rusher since joining the Texans in 2024, recording 27 sacks over the past two seasons. Retaining him on a long-term deal solidifies the Texans' defensive line and gives them one of the league's top edge rushers for the foreseeable future.

The details

The new extension adds one year to Hunter's existing contract, which had him under team control for the 2026 season. The $40.1 million deal makes him one of the highest-paid defensive ends in the NFL. Hunter originally signed a two-year, $49 million contract with the Texans in 2024 after spending the first eight seasons of his career with the Minnesota Vikings.

  • Hunter signed a one-year, $35.6 million extension with the Texans in March 2026 for the 2026 season.
  • The new $40.1 million extension announced on March 6, 2026 will keep Hunter in Houston through the 2027 season.

The players

Danielle Hunter

A 31-year-old defensive end who has been selected to the Pro Bowl five times. He has spent the last two seasons with the Houston Texans after previously playing for the Minnesota Vikings for the first eight years of his career.

Houston Texans

The NFL team based in Houston, Texas that has signed Danielle Hunter to a contract extension.

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What they’re saying

“Danielle Hunter has been a dominant force for our defense the last two seasons, and we're thrilled to keep him in Houston for the long term.”

— Texans General Manager (austinnews.net)

What’s next

The Texans will look to build around Hunter and their other defensive stars as they aim to contend for a playoff spot in the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

Locking up one of the league's premier pass rushers long-term is a savvy move by the Texans, as they look to solidify their defense and compete in the AFC South in the coming years.