The Houston Texans will keep one of their core players on defense for at least a few more seasons.
According NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Pro Bowl defensive end agreed to a $40.1 million extension, tying him to the franchise through the 2027 campaign. The deal includes a $30.7 million signing bonus.
Before Hunter’s extension, Houston had $2.5 million in cap space heading into the offseason.
The deal now adds an extra year onto Hunter’s existing contract, who was slated to hit the free agent market in the 2027 offseason, and will now keep him on the Texans’ roster until at least 2028.
Hunter comes off his second and best season while with the Texans following his free agency signing from the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.
Hunter, 31, played in all 17 games throughout the year to put together a team-high 15 sacks along with 54 combined tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles as a difference-maker on Houston’s elite defensive unit. That year also netted him a Second-Team All-Pro selection; his second All-Pro nod of his career.
