Danielle Hunter is remaining in Texas beyond 2025. On Wednesday, the Hoston Texans were reported to have extended the five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher for one year, and $35.6 million.
Initially sure to make $19.5 million this season, he will now a $12.5-million raise to $32 million – the second-highest annual amount for a defensive end in the league, which surprised a good number of fans.
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“Outrageous overpayment by a franchise that continues to embarrass itself.”
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But others sought to see the benefits instead:
“Glad he got extended,” one rejoiced.
“Nick is cooking,” another mused.
“Here comes a nice 7 sack season,” another wished.
On the same day, the Texans signed offensive tackle Cam Robinson, who will reunite with guard and fellow ex-Viking Ed Ingram, who was acquired in a trade. They are projected to replace Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green, who departed in separate trades.
How Danielle Hunter’s $35.6-million extension will affect Trey Hendrickson’s contract situation
Monstrous pass-rusher extensions have become a burgeoning topic in free agency. For a time, Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett were the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the league. Josh Sweat, Harold Landry, and DeMarcus Lawrence have also cashed in significantly.
The Cincinnati Bengal has been wanting to join Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins in having monstrous contract extensions; and Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz revealed a new “fluid” update on negotiations:
“One league source even suggested they should punt to 2026 and give him a one-year deal worth $30 million — though it’s unclear if that would appease Hendrickson… The Bengals recognize Hendrickson’s importance to the team and remain in constant contact with his camp, hoping to get something done.”
In relation to that, Sports Illustrated’s James Rapien shared that Danielle Hunter’s new extension could serve as a benchmark for what the organization can give Trey Hendrickson:
“Hendrickson is set to make $16 million in base salary this season. (The Bengals) would need to give him a significant raise this year and make him one of the NFL’s highest-paid defensive ends on a one-year extension. Like Hunter, he’s probably looking for a multi-year deal that includes a significant increase in pay this season.”
The Indianapolis Colts have been projected as the top trade destination for Hendrickson, having coaches who have worked with him and needing a replacement for now-Chicago Bear Dayo Odeyingbo.
Edited by Chaitanya Prakash
