The Houston Texans made an enormous splash in free agency by signing defensive end Danielle Hunter.
The four-time Pro Bowler was one of this free agency cycle’s most sought-after free agents. His decision to join the Texans may have had something to do with his future defensive teammate.
Danielle Hunter Deal with Houston Texans
According to NFL.com, the veteran edge rusher and four-time Pro Bowler has agreed to terms on a two-year, $49 million deal with the Houston Texans, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported. Hunter’s new contract, per Rapoport, includes $48 million in guaranteed money.
Hunter shopped for the most guaranteed money possible, which paid off. In terms of guaranteed money, Hunter is sixth among the current active edge rushers.
Money is one reason to sign in Houston, but the location also made a difference. Danielle is from Texas and seems to have played a role in choosing the Texans.
“Hunter’s move south is a return home for the pass-rushing nightmare who grew up in Katy, Texas and stood as a boon for him as he approaches his age-30 season. Fresh off a 16.5-sack season worthy of another trip to the Pro Bowl, Hunter leaves Minnesota — the only place he’d known as home in his eight-season NFL career — for greener pastures with an ascending contender in Houston.” (NFL.com)
Star Edge Rush Duo
Money and location are two reasons for the move; the third is rookie sensation edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. Will won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award this past season. Although he only had seven sacks, he had 59 total pressures on the quarterback this season. According to PFF.com, he was the tenth-rated rookie in offense and defense.
Could #texans Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr be the best edge duo in the NFL this season??? Let's take a deeper look on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/fMeHqz9RDC
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) March 13, 2024
As Jesse Palmer states, Danielle joins a Houston team that set a franchise record in sacks and averaged 96 rushing yards allowed per game (170 yards per game last season). DeMeco has made it very clear he wants to have a dominant front, and with a 16.5 sack Hunter, with the fourth most sacks from a rookie edge ever, it seems he has achieved just that.
Houston Texans Culture
DeMeco Ryans has changed the culture in Houston. After meeting DeMeco for the first time, veterans were blown away. Rookies who were not even on the team wanted to be in on this massive change to the Texans franchise.
According to SI.com, “From the moment he walked in, Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil credited Ryans for bringing “a whole new vibe” to NRG Stadium during mandatory minicamp. Safety Jimmie Ward credited Ryans for his free agency decision to join the Texans. Rookie defensive end Will Anderson Jr. knew he wanted to be a Texan after meeting Ryans for the first time during his top-30 visit in April.”
The Houston Texans defense was seventh in the NFL in pressure rate in 2023, second in yards gained per rush, and sixth in opponent third-down conversion rate—all drastic improvements from their 2022 season.
Offensively, the belief will only continue to grow with C.J. Stroud leading the way. Hopefully, the team will enter the contender conversation in 2024.
Read More: Houston Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans Devastating Coach of the Year Loss
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