Danielle Hunter, a key figure in the Houston Texans' formidable defense, has signed a lucrative one-year contract extension reportedly worth $35.6 million. This extension comes as Hunter continues to prove his value on the field, following an impressive performance last season where he was tied for fifth in the league in sacks and recorded a pressure rate of 23.9%. Hunter's pressure rate was the second highest among players with at least 200 pass rush snaps, further cementing his reputation as a defensive powerhouse.
Hunter originally joined the Texans as a free agent last March, agreeing to a two-year, $49 million contract. As part of the recent extension, he is slated to receive a significant salary increase in 2025, with his earnings set to rise by $12 million, bringing his salary to $32 million for that year. The remainder of the extension will be fulfilled in 2026.
Under Hunter's influence, the Texans' defense has shown remarkable improvement. Last season, they finished 14th in points allowed per game, averaging 21.9 points, and ranked fifth in total defense, allowing just 315 yards per game. Hunter's ability to sack and pressure opposing quarterbacks was instrumental in these achievements.
The Texans' defensive prowess extended beyond sacks and pressures. In 2024, they were among the league leaders in forcing turnovers, with Hunter and his fellow defensive linemen playing a crucial role. The team finished with 29 takeaways overall, the fifth most in the NFL, which included an impressive 19 interceptions, ranking them second in this category.
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