HOUSTON — A day after losing two of their top defensive players in free agency, the Houston Texans filled the void with one of the NFL’s premiere pass rushers, and one with roots here in the Houston area.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Houston landed free agent Danielle Hunter. Hunter, who has been in the league since 2015 and is a four-time Pro Bowler, has spent his entire career with the Minnesota Vikings. Last season, Hunter had 16.5 sacks, which was the fifth most in the league. For his career, he’s credited with 87.5 sacks and 316 solo tackles.
Hunter was a third-round pick of the Vikings out of LSU. He is from Katy and played his high school football at Morton Ranch.
According to Schefter, Hunter’s deal with Houston is for two years and $49 million, including $48 million guaranteed.
The deal also apparently got the JJ Watt seal of approval.
Hunter will help fill the void for the Texans left by the departures of linebacker Blake Cashman and edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, who both reportedly left for Minnesota. It's the second big move Houston reportedly made on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, it was reported the team landed running back Joe Mixon in a deal with Cincinnati. Mixon will help fill the hole left by Devin Singletary going to the Giants.
