Danielle Hunter Lands $35M Extension With Texans, Securing His Future In Houston

HOUSTON – The Houston Texans just made a major move to keep their defensive powerhouse happy. Star pass rusher Danielle Hunter has agreed to a one-year contract extension worth a jaw-dropping $35.6 million. A source confirmed the news to ESPN on Wednesday, making it clear that Houston isn’t taking any chances when it comes to keeping their defensive line dominant.

Hunter originally joined the Texans last year, signing a two-year, $49 million deal as a free agent. But after an incredible first season that saw him land a Pro Bowl nod, the Texans decided he deserved even more. By adding $35.6 million to the back end of his contract, Houston is making sure their best pass rusher sticks around—and gets paid like a top-tier talent.

More Money, More Motivation: Hunter’s Salary Gets a Major Boost

With this extension, Hunter’s paycheck for 2025 just got a massive upgrade. Instead of the original terms of his contract, he’ll now pull in $32 million next season—a $12 million raise. The remaining amount of the deal will hit in 2026, setting him up for a financially rewarding couple of years in Houston.

This move isn’t just about rewarding past success. It’s about keeping the Texans’ defense elite. Houston knows how valuable Hunter is to their squad, and this extension sends a loud message: they’re serious about winning, and they want to do it with Hunter leading the charge.

Source: Source: Hunter, Texans agree to 1-year, $35.6M extension

Hunter’s Monster Year Earns Him a Payday

Houston’s decision to hand Hunter a massive extension wasn’t random—it was earned. The 2024 season saw him at his absolute best, leading a Texans defense that ranked among the league’s best in getting after quarterbacks. The team finished the season with 49 sacks, ranking fifth in the NFL, and Hunter was the key force behind that success.

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His numbers tell the whole story. Hunter racked up 12 sacks, tying him for fifth-most in the league. Even more impressive, he posted a pressure rate of 23.9%, the second-highest among all players with at least 200 pass-rush snaps, according to Next Gen Stats. Simply put, he was a nightmare for opposing offenses.

And it wasn’t just sacks—Hunter’s presence led to a lot of turnovers for Houston. The Texans picked off 19 passes (second-most in the NFL) and finished with 29 total takeaways, ranking them fifth in that category. His ability to disrupt plays gave the Texans a huge advantage throughout the season, making him one of the most valuable defensive players in the league.

Danielle Hunter Lands $35M Extension with Texans, Securing His Future in Houston

Houston’s Defense: The Key to Their Playoff Success

Under head coach DeMeco Ryans, the Texans’ defense became a force to be reckoned with. They ranked 14th in points allowed per game (21.9) and fifth in total defense, giving up just 315 yards per game. Hunter’s dominance played a huge role in that success, helping Houston claim the AFC South title and make noise in the playoffs.

The Texans’ wild-card matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers was a perfect example of how dominant their defense could be. Houston’s unit forced Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert into four interceptions, including a pick-six, sealing a convincing playoff win. It was a statement game that showed just how valuable Hunter and the defense were to the team’s success.

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The Texans are doubling down on that strength. Earlier this week, they locked down another defensive cornerstone, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., with a record-breaking three-year, $90 million extension—making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. By extending both Stingley and Hunter, Houston has made it clear they’re building a championship-caliber defense for the long haul.

Texans Future: A Team Built for Big Things

By securing Hunter and Stingley, Houston is making a serious push to be one of the top teams in the AFC. Their defense is built to create chaos, and with these two stars locked in, they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.

Hunter’s extension isn’t just about money—it’s a sign of faith from the Texans that he’ll continue to dominate. At 30 years old, he’s still at the top of his game, and the Texans are betting big that he’ll keep being a nightmare for quarterbacks.

For Hunter, this deal is validation. He’s spent years proving he’s one of the best in the business, and now he has a contract to match his impact. For the Texans, it’s an investment in a future they believe can lead to a deep playoff run—or maybe even a Super Bowl.

With the 2025 season on the horizon, the Texans are looking more dangerous than ever. And with Danielle Hunter still in the mix, the rest of the league better be ready.