Report: Danielle Hunter, Texans Agree to $35.6M Contract Extension; No. 2 DE Salary

The Houston Texans clearly liked what they saw from pass-rusher Danielle Hunter during his first season with the team, and they reportedly rewarded him with a contract extension as a result.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday that Houston and Hunter agreed to a one-year, $35.6 million contract extension that makes him the league's second-highest paid defensive end.

He is scheduled to make $32 million during the 2025 campaign and $55.1 million with $54.1 million guaranteed over the next two years.

According to Spotrac, Maxx Crosby tops all defensive ends in total cash for the 2025 season at $33.3 million. 

Notably, Myles Garrett checks in at $24.8 million in that category, although he agreed to a contract extension with the Cleveland Browns earlier this month that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history at the time.

Houston initially signed Hunter to a two-year deal last offseason after he spent his first eight seasons in the league with the Minnesota Vikings. He was a four-time Pro Bowler with the Vikings and timed a career-best 16.5 sacks well during the 2023 campaign ahead of free agency.

He quickly answered any concerns that he would slow down during his age-30 season in Houston.

The LSU product made his fifth career Pro Bowl behind 46 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, three passes defended and one forced fumble. He appeared in all 17 games and helped lead the Texans to an AFC South crown and playoff appearance.

Hunter also made up half of one of the best pass-rushing duos in the league alongside Will Anderson.

The Texans made Anderson one of the faces of their franchise when they selected him with the No. 3 overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft, and he and Hunter make each other better playing in the same defense. Opposing offensive lines cannot afford to double team both of them, which opens up blitzing lanes.

And those lanes will continue to open for longer following Wednesday's contract extension.