Houston Texans DE Danielle Hunter Surges Up NFL Top 100 Players List

After eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Hunter was traded to the Texans in March 2024, agreeing to two year $49 Million deal with Houston.

In his first year with the Texans, Hunter led the team with 12 sacks in 17 games played, marking his third consecutive season with 10-or-more sacks. He also registered 46 tackles, one forced fumble, and according to NFL.com, generated 90 pressures, second-most in the NFL.

Since entering the league in 2015, Hunter's 99.5 career sacks rank fifth in the NFL behind Aaron Donald, Myles Garrett, Khalil Mack, and leader T.J. Watt. Hunter also ranks fifth among active players with 347 tackles during that time.

Hunter is the fifth different Texans player to be named to the NFL's Top 100 Players of 2025, joining running back Joe Mixon (58), fellow defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (46), quarterback C.J. Stroud (39), and wide receiver Nico Collins (32). Anderson Jr. and Collins are newcomers to the Top 100. Entering his fourth year with the Texans, talented cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. has yet to be mentioned.

Last season, led by Stroud at No. 20, four Texans were named among the NFL's Top 100 players.

The Top 10 players of 2025 will be announced on Sunday, Sept. 1 at 8 p.m. ET live on NFL Network.