Nov 9, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) is introduced before playing against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Texans, Danielle Hunter Agree to Major Contract Extension

Originally posted on Houston Texans on SI | By Jared Koch | Last updated Mar 5, 2026 9:44 PM ET

The Houston Texans have cemented one of their defensive cornerstones on the roster for another season.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero , the Texans and star defensive end Danielle Hunter have agreed to a one-year, $40.1 million contract extension with a $30.7 million signing bonus.

"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 negotiated the deal, which tied Hunter to Houston through 2027."

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

The deal now adds an extra year onto Hunter's existing contract, who was slated to hit the free agent market in the 2027 offseason, and will now keep him on the Texans’ roster until at least 2028.

Texans, Danielle Hunter Agree to Extension

Hunter comes off his second and best season while with the Texans following his free agency signing from the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.

In what was his age-31 season, Hunter played in all 17 games throughout the year to put together a team-high 15 sacks along with 54 combined tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles as a difference-maker on Houston's elite defensive unit. That year also netted him a Second-Team All-Pro selection; his second All-Pro nod of his career.

With that season in the books, the Texans had clearly seen enough to know Hunter has shown no signs of slowing down entering what will be his third year in Houston, and want to cement him and Will Anderson on their defensive front for as long as they're playing at the level of the best pass-rushing duo in the NFL.

This contract does just that, and continues an extremely busy offseason for the Texans front office and general manager, Nick Caserio.

This article first appeared on Houston Texans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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