Reports: Texans, DE Danielle Hunter agree to extension through '26

Field Level Media|published: 03/19/2025, 11:07pm EDT

Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) tackles Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the third quarter of a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Houston Texans liked what they saw with Danielle Hunter in 2024, and they are giving the defensive end a contract extension through the 2026 season, according to multiple media reports on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old veteran, who signed with the Texans as a free agent last March after eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, was a Pro Bowl performer for the fifth time in 2024. Hunter racked up 12 sacks, tied for fifth in the league, and the team finished tied fourth in that category.

The extension boosts Hunter's salary for 2025 to $32 million, an increase of $12.5 million, and offers $36.5 million for the added 2026 season. He becomes the second-highest-paid defensive end in the league that year, trailing only Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns.

In 136 NFL games, 107 as a starter, Hunter has 99.5 sacks and 508 tackles, including 125 for losses. He has 12 forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.

Hunter missed the 2020 season after sustaining a neck injury during camp. Injuries also limited him to seven games in 2021.

--Field Level Media