While the Houston Texans' needs on the offensive side of the ball have understandably drawn most of the attention, they also have needs on the other end of the field. The Texans obviously need to fix their offensive line and add another high-level wide receiver for C.J. Stroud but they have a few tough offseason decisions to make in their defensive unit as well.
With limited cap space, GM Nick Caserio has to make a decision on pending free agents Eric Murray and Folorunso Fatukasi.
One massive decision on that end of the field, however, will be about a player who is still under contract. Danielle Hunter, who signed a two-year, $49 million deal with Houston in the 2024 offseason, is reportedly seeking a contract extension that will pay him over $30 million per year, according to Sportskeeda's Tony Pauline.
Danielle Hunter will be seeking an extension from the Texans this offseason according to @TonyPauline.
— Jacob (@TexansJacob) February 26, 2025
“Sources say he will be looking at an extension that pays him over $30 million annually after a 12-sack season in 2024 that earned him a Pro Bowl berth.”
Texans would save… pic.twitter.com/URxPdZxwMc
Danielle Hunter Reportedly Seeking Massive Contract Extension This Offseason
In each of his last five healthy seasons, Hunter has had double-digit sack totals and earned Pro Bowl honors. He was a force to be reckoned with for the Texans in 2024, finishing with 12 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and 23 QB hits in 17 starts. He received an 84.6 PFF grade, good for the 12th-best edge defender in the league.
His production certainly deserves a lucrative, long-term extension. At the same time, he will be 31 years old before his next contract kicks in and the Texans should have every right to be worried about the sustainability of Hunter's performance.
The only edge rusher in the league who makes over $30 million per year is Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers. Myles Garrett, Josh Hines-Allen, Brian Burns, and TJ Watt all make over $25 million per year.
There is an argument to be made for Hunter belonging to that group, but considering the potential of an age-related decline, the Texans would be better off with a short-term deal. Whether that will be enough to keep Hunter in Houston long-term remains to be seen.