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Texans Signing Pro Bowl Edge Danielle Hunter To Two-Year Deal

Originally posted on Houston Texans on SI
By Cole Thompson | Last updated Mar 12, 2024 6:59 PM ET

Danielle Hunter is coming home to Houston.

According to reports, the Texans are signing the former Minnesota Vikings defensive end on a two-year deal, worth $49 million deal with $48 million guaranteed.

Hunter, a Katy native who played at Morton Ranch High School, expressed interest for a chance to return close to hometown, though it was expected to be for a contract of four or five seasons. In the end, Hunter will make nearly every penny through the 2025 season and could be up for a new deal next offseason with promising results.

Consider this a switch between the two teams. Houston lost leading sack artist Jonathan Greenard to the Vikings on a four-year $76 million deal on Monday. Hunter was not expected back with the NFC North franchise after the two sides could agree to a long-term deal last offseason.

Drafted out of LSU in the third round, Hunter, 29, has 87.5 career sacks and 462 tackles with 108 tackles for losses and 134 quarterback hits. He's also 11 forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries with two touchdowns.

Last season, Hunter totaled 83 tackles, 23 tackles for losses, 22 quarterback hits, and a career-high 16.5 sacks.

With Houston, Hunter now serves as the anchor of a defensive line headlined by Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. The Texans also agreed to terms with Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Denico Autry on a two-year deal Monday afternoon.

The Texans continue to bolster their defense after a promising first season under DeMeco Ryans. Earlier Monday, Houston added former Titans and 49ers linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair to a three-year, $45 million deal. The Texans also agreed to terms with former first-round pick Jeff Okudah on a one-year deal worth up to $6 million.

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

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