The Minnesota Vikings made the difficult decision to release edge rusher Danielle Hunter following the 2024 NFL season. He swiftly found a new home with the Houston Texans and demonstrated his excellent quarterback-chasing abilities.
Meanwhile, Minnesota spent the money intended for Hunter to sign Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard that offseason. That combination had success on the Vikings’ defense and should return for a prosperous 2025.
Hunter inked a two-year, $49 million contract with the Texans during the offseason last year. Houston and Hunter did not believe the 2025 salary suited his value, so the defensive end will play under a new contract this season.
Former Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl defense rewarded for successful 2024 season
According to ESPN, Danielle Hunter has agreed to a one-year contract extension that will include a $12 million rise in 2025. The former Minnesota Vikings edge rusher will have some of the budget hit carried over into future years, but it is a significant increase for the 30-year-old defense.
Hunter has five double-digit sacks during his eight seasons with the Vikings and was named to the Pro Bowl four times. Last year with Houston, he finished with a career-high 23 QB hits and 12 sacks while also returning to the Pro Bowl.
Danielle Hunter has proven to be one of the NFL’s top edge rushers. The former LSU standout offers a threat to the opposing quarterback whenever he is on the field and is appropriately compensated.
Last season, Hunter tied for fifth in the NFL with 12 sacks. He tied with Vikings edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and finished only half a sack ahead of Greenard’s Minnesota teammate Andrew Van Ginkel.
Danielle Hunter was a fan favorite in Minnesota, and it was hard to see him leave the Vikings last offseason. Although goodbyes are painful, it appears that the transition has worked well for both Hunter and the Vikings.
During the 2024 NFL season, the Texans tied the Vikings for most sacks. Houston and Minnesota finished fourth with 49 sacks, trailing just the Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, and Dallas Cowboys.
In 2025, the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings’ pass rushes have limitless potential. The two teams are set to be among the league’s finest again, with Danielle Hunter continuing to demonstrate his sack prowess.
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