HOUSTON – The Texans and four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter, a Katy native and Morton Ranch graduate, have reached a two-year, $49 million contract with $48 million fully guaranteed, according to league sources.
The deal has a maximum value of $51 million for the former Minnesota Vikings standout. The deal includes a $21 million signing bonus, fully guaranteed salaries of $8 million and $19 million, an annual $29,412 per game active roster bonus and a $1 million annual Pro Bowl incentive.
Multiple NFL teams, including the Indianapolis Colts, were intrigued by Hunter, one of the most athletic pass rushers in the NFL. Ultimately, the defending AFC South champion Texans made the strongest bid as Hunter joined his hometown team.
Hunter was replaced in Minnesota by former Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard as he has agreed to a four-year, $76 million contract with a $19 million average and $42 million guaranteed. Now, Hunter replaces Greenard in Houston.
Hunter, 29, has 87 1/2 career sacks and 462 tackles with 108 tackles for losses and 134 quarterback hits. He has 11 forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries with two touchdowns.
He has 83 tackles last season, 23 tackles for losses and 22 quarterback hits.
With the additions of Hunter and Denico Autry, the Texans’ defensive line is loaded along with defensive tackle Maliek Collins and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr.
A native of Jamaica, Hunter had 30 quarterback pressures, 11 tackles for losses and four sacks. At 6-foot-6, 225 pounds, Hunter was the district championship in the high jump and was sixth in the 400-meter dash. He played collegiately at LSU.
At the NFL scouting combine, Hunter ran the 40-yard dash in 4.57 seconds and had a 36 1/2 inch vertical leap and bench pressed 225 pounds 25 times.
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.
