Texans Extend Danielle Hunter After AFC South Win

Danielle Hunter has signed a one-year, $35.6 million contract extension with the Houston Texans, making him one of the highest-paid defensive ends in the NFL. This deal follows a successful season where Hunter led the Texans to rank fifth in the league for sacks and contributed to their strong defensive record, including an AFC South title and a playoff victory over the Chargers. The extension increases his salary for 2025 by $12 million, with $54.1 million fully guaranteed over the next two seasons. Despite being labeled the second-highest paid defensive end, Hunter's new contract does not surpass Maxx Crosby's recent deal in terms of total guaranteed money. The Texans are building on their defensive strength by also extending cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. as the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. This development comes amid broader free agency activity as other NFL teams, like the Browns and Texans, make strategic signings and extensions.