Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) reacts after a game against the Miami Dolphins at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Houston Texans: Reward Elite Playmaker With Top-5 Salary

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Jackson Loschko | Last updated Mar 5, 2026 10:13 PM ET

The Houston Texans gave Danielle Hunter a one-year, $35.6 million extension last March, making him the second-highest-paid EDGE rusher at the time and $54.1 million fully guaranteed combined across 2025 and 2026. He put together an incredible 2025 campaign, setting career highs in sacks (including the playoffs) while earning Second-Team All-Pro honors. Hunter recorded 92 pressures, 64 hurries, 25 quarterback hits, a 20% pass-rush win rate, 18 sacks, five forced fumbles, and 18 tackles for loss across 19 games.

He enters the final year of his contract and is scheduled to earn a fully guaranteed $22.6 million base salary, a per-game bonus totaling $500,000, $23.1 million cash, and a $31.3 million cap hit in 2026. There were reports that the Texans would give him another one-year extension, as he turns 32 in October.

Houston Texans reward elite playmaker with top-5 salary

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Texans have re-signed Danielle Hunter to a one-year, $40.1 million contract extension, which includes a $30.7 mllion signing bonus. As a result, the five-time Pro Bowl and two-time Second-Team All-Pro with 122 career sacks (including the playoffs) is under contract through the 2027 season. Lastly, his $40.1 million annual salary makes him the fourth-highest-paid EDGE rusher , behind Micah Parsons ($46.5 million), Aidan Hutchinson ($45 million), and T.J. Watt ($41 million).

The Texans and five-time Pro Bowl DE Danielle Hunter agreed to terms on a one-year, $40.1 million contract extension including a $30.7 million signing bonus, sources tell The Insiders.

Zeke Sandhu of @KlutchSports negotiated the deal, which tied Hunter to Houston through 2027. pic.twitter.com/EyBWAOsipf

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 6, 2026

Another teammate could be extended this offseason

Oct 20, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) celebrates a fumble recovery in the end zone for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Since Will Anderson Jr. completed his third regular season, he is eligible to negotiate and sign a contract extension this offseason. The Texans are actively working on an extension with the two-time Pro Bowl, one-time First-Team All-Pro, and runner-up for the Defensive Player of the Year, potentially making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Anderson also has a fully guaranteed 5th-year option for the 2027 season, due in May, and Houston is likely to exercise it even if they extend him.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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