One of the remaining high-profile free agent targets, Daniel Hunter, is off the market after agreeing to a two-year contract with the Houston Texans.
The former Minnesota Vikings edge rusher will be joining the Texans on a contract worth $49 million, with $48 million guaranteed, when the new league season begins Wednesday. His contract is worth up to $51 million.
It’s a homecoming for Hunter, who played high school ball at Morton Ranch High School in Katy, Texas, about an hour from Houston. And Hunter has come a long way since his high school football days to become one of the league’s most feared pass rushers.
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Daniel Hunter, No. 99, of the Minnesota Vikings prepares for the first half of the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Packers defeated the Vikings 33-10. (David Berding/Getty Images)
The 29-year-old has totaled double-digit sacks in five of his eight NFL seasons, all to date since being drafted by the Vikings in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. .
This includes the 2023 season in which Hunter totaled 16.5 sacks, fifth in the league in that category. However, his 23 tackles for loss tied him for the league lead with Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby. Hunter also had 10.5 sacks the year before.
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Hunter joins a defensive line that includes Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson and former Tennessee Titan Denico Autry, who finished tied for 12th in the NFL with 11.5 sacks last season.
Daniel Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before the start of the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Lions defeated the Vikings 30-24. (David Berding/Getty Images)
Houston also strengthened its linebacker defense with former Atlanta Falcons starter Azeez Al Shaair and former Baltimore Raven Delshawn Phillips. In the secondary, Jeff Okudah agreed to a one-year deal at cornerback, and Mike Ford was also added.
Texans GM Nick Caserio wants to make it clear that Houston had a great season last year. There, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud led his team to the playoffs, defeating the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round and proving he was the franchise man. He was recognized for his efforts and was awarded Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Caserio appears to have filled all the necessary holes leading to Hunter’s big splash, including a trade for veteran running back Joe Mixon.
Daniel Hunter, No. 99, of the Minnesota Vikings leaves the field after a game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Packers defeated the Vikings 33-10. (David Berding/Getty Images)
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The Texans are aiming for another AFC South title this season, and they certainly have the team to make it happen.
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