The Houston Texans have reached an agreement with star edge rusher Danielle Hunter on a one-year, $40.1 million contract extension, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The deal keeps the All-Pro defender in Houston through the 2026 season and represents a significant "reward" for his elite performance since joining the franchise. Hunter, 31, is coming off a dominant 2025 campaign in which he recorded 12 sacks, proving to be a perfect fit in head coach DeMeco Ryans' defensive scheme. In his first season with the team in 2024, Hunter also delivered a 12-sack performance with 90 quarterback pressures, earning a Pro Bowl nod.
This extension follows the Texans' recent efforts to clear salary cap space, including the trade of offensive tackle Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns earlier this week. By securing Hunter with this massive deal, Houston maintains one of the NFL's most dangerous pass-rushing tandems alongside young star Will Anderson Jr., who is also expected to be a candidate for a major extension in the near future.
The move further solidifies the Texans' commitment to contending in the AFC, providing a stable veteran presence on a defense that has quickly become one of the league's best. Hunter's $40.1 million salary places him among the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history, reflecting the team's strategy of rewarding its core stars while maintaining a competitive roster around quarterback C.J. Stroud.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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