Danielle Hunter

Career StatsA-

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		153	114.5	561	47.5
2025		17	15.0	54	5.5
2024		17	12.0	46	6.5
2023		17

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

This one-year, $40.1M deal for Danielle Hunter lands squarely in fair value territory with a B- CVI — the Texans paid market rate for proven pass rush production without getting fleeced or finding a bargain. Hunter's Pro Bowl-caliber performance over recent seasons justifies this elite-tier salary, as he's consistently delivered double-digit sack totals and remains one of the more disruptive edge rushers in the league when healthy. At 29, he's right in his prime window, making this a smart "win-now" investment for a Houston team ready to capitalize on C.J. Stroud's rookie contract. The one-year structure is brilliant risk management — the Texans get a proven commodity without long-term commitment concerns, while Hunter bets on himself to earn an even bigger payday next offseason. Houston needed to upgrade their pass rush to complement their young quarterback, and while $40.1M AAV stings the salary cap, they're getting a franchise-caliber edge rusher who can immediately elevate their defense in a competitive AFC South.

Performance Analysis

Danielle Hunter remains one of the NFL's most consistently productive pass rushers, an 11-year veteran who has carved out a reputation as a reliable edge defender since entering the league as a third-round pick out of LSU in 2015. Now in his first season with the Houston Texans after spending the majority of his career with Minnesota, Hunter continues to anchor the defensive line as a primary pass-rush threat. His A- performance grade reflects a player who has maintained elite production deep into his career, consistently ranking among the top edge rushers in the league. At 31, Hunter represents the kind of veteran presence that championship-caliber defenses are built around. Hunter's pass-rush prowess remains his calling card, posting an elite 0.88 sacks per game this season that towers above both the NFL average of 0.34 and the elite threshold of 0.68. This production places him in rarefied air among edge defenders and demonstrates that his signature speed-to-power rush arsenal hasn't diminished with age. However, his tackle-for-loss rate of 0.32 per game sits right at the league average of 0.30, suggesting he's more of a pure pass rusher than an every-down run defender. The slight dip in overall impact plays beyond sacks indicates Hunter has evolved into more of a situational specialist, though his ability to generate consistent quarterback pressure remains unquestioned. Hunter's performance has remained remarkably steady, improving from B+ grades in both 2024 and the current 2025 season after an exceptional A+ campaign in 2023. While he may no longer be the dominant every-down force he was in his prime Minnesota years, his ability to deliver elite pass-rush production suggests he can continue contributing at a high level for at least another season or two. The key for Hunter moving forward will be maintaining his burst off the line and staying healthy, as his value to the Texans' championship aspirations hinges on his continued ability to collapse the pocket on third downs.

Current Sentiment

Danielle Hunter has achieved that rare air of universal acclaim in Houston, where a veteran pass rusher earning $40.1M annually is being celebrated rather than scrutinized for age-related decline. The overwhelmingly positive sentiment stems from his sustained elite production (114.5 career sacks) paired with the ultimate endorsement from Texans legend J.J. Watt, creating a perfect storm of peer validation and franchise commitment that resonates deeply with both media and fans. This glowing perception aligns perfectly with his A- performance grade — Hunter remains a franchise-caliber edge rusher who's backing up every dollar of his massive extension with consistent pressure and leadership. The narrative would only shift if his production notably drops or injury concerns resurface, but right now the 11-year veteran is being treated like a defensive cornerstone entering his prime rather than a aging commodity. Hunter's A+ sentiment reflects the rare convergence of elite on-field impact, organizational trust, and peer respect that establishes him as one of the most respected defenders in the league heading into 2026.