Report: Texans signing Hunter to 2-year, $49M deal
The Houston Texans are signing four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter to a two-year, $49-million contract, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The deal reportedly includes $48 million in guaranteed money and has a maximum value of $51 million.
Hunter, 29, spent his first nine NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, amassing 87.5 sacks across 119 appearances. He missed the entire 2020 campaign due to injury.
The 2015 third-round pick was among the top edge rushers available this offseason after setting a career single-season high with 16.5 sacks in 2023 and leading the league with 23 tackles for loss. He also had four forced fumbles and played all 17 games for a second straight season.
The Indianapolis Colts were reportedly among the other teams that showed interest in signing Hunter.
The LSU product is a major addition to a Texans defense that improved significantly under head coach DeMeco Ryans in 2023. Houston ranked 11th in points and 14th in yards allowed last season after ranking outside the top 25 in both categories in 2022. Hunter will presumably line up opposite Will Anderson, the 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year who had seven sacks last season.
Pass-rusher Jonathan Greenard, who recently joined the Vikings on a four-year contract, led Ryans' outfit with 12.5 sacks in 2023. Greenard's contract with Minnesota is worth $76 million and includes $42 million guaranteed.
The Texans also stood out offensively with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who helped them make the playoffs after the club won just three games during the 2022 campaign.
Hunter is the third team captain to leave the Vikings this year. Quarterback Kirk Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, while linebacker Jordan Hicks joined the Cleveland Browns.
The Texans have been aggressive this offseason, signing linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, defensive lineman Denico Autry, and cornerback Jeff Okudah, among others. Houston also recently traded for former Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon.