Danielle Hunter: Everything you need to know

Hunter and the Texans agreed on a one-year, $40.1 million contract extension Thursday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Hunter is coming off of a 2025 campaign during which he compiled 54 total tackles (28 solo), including 15.0 sacks, while also recording three passes defensed, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery over 17 regular-season games. The defensive lineman has combined to produced 27.0 sacks over two years in Houston, and his new extension certainly reflects his value to the franchise. Look for Hunter to have another productive season in 2026 while starting opposite of Will Anderson on Houston's defensive line.

Hunter recorded 54 tackles, 15.0 sacks, three passes defensed, three forced fumble and one fumble recovery over 17 regular-season games in 2025. Hunter led the Texans in sacks for a second consecutive season, as the bookend combination of him and Will Anderson (12.0 sacks) once again wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. This was the fourth consecutive season and seventh overall with double-digit sacks for Hunter. The 31-year-old has another year on his current deal and, along with Anderson, will return to scare quarterbacks and offensive linemen in 2026.

Hunter recorded four total tackles (two solo), including 1.0 sacks, in Saturday's 20-16 victory over the Chargers. Hunter was able to secure a sack for the third straight week, getting to Justin Herbert for a nine-yard loss in the first quarter. The 31-year-old has now registered at least one sack in six of the last eight games, compiling 10.0 sacks over those contests. Hunter is now up to 52 total tackles (27 solo), including 14.0 sacks, while also adding three passes defensed, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery over 16 games this season.