The Texans' defensive line is starting to take shape after two days of free agency. They are signing four-time Pro-Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter to a two-year deal worth up to $51 million.
It is a significant move, both in dollar amount and impact. The Texans lost Jonathan Greenard, their sack leader from last season, to the Minnesota Vikings in free agency. Greenard's deal is worth up to $72 million over four years, but he's also almost three years younger than Hunter, now 29.
To replace Greenard, the Texans have now added Hunter and veteran Denico Autry, who is signing a two-year, $20 million deal with Houston. Autry can play inside or outside, while Hunter and reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. figure to be the stalwarts on the edges.
Hunter was born in Jamaica then grew up in Katy, where he played high school ball at Katy's Morton Ranch and college ball at LSU. He had 16.5 sacks for the Vikings last season and 10.5 sacks in 2022. He's recorded double-digit sacks in five of his eight NFL seasons, including in 2018 when he was second-team All Pro.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the deal includes $48 million guaranteed for Hunter.
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