Star pass-rusher Danielle Hunter and the Houston Texans have agreed to a two-year, $49 million deal, including $48 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday.
The deal has a maximum value of $51 million, the source said.
In effect, the Texans and Minnesota Vikings are trading their 2023 sack leaders. On Monday, Jonathan Greenard , who led the Texans with 12.5 sacks last season, agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract with the Vikings.
The addition of Hunter will give the Texans a formidable pass-rushing duo of Hunter and 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr ., who had seven sacks in his first season.
Hunter becomes the second star player added on Tuesday by the Texans, who earlier agreed to a trade with the Cincinnati Bengals to acquire running back Joe Mixon .
Hunter, 29, produced arguably the best season of his career in 2023 in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme. He finished with 16.5 sacks and 1,006 snaps, both the highest figures of his career. He also earned consistent plaudits from Flores for his ability and willingness to set the edge in the Vikings’ run defense, and along the way led the NFL with 23 tackles for loss.