The Minnesota Vikings made the tough decision to move on from edge rusher Danielle Hunter after the 2024 NFL season. He quickly found a new home with the Houston Texans and showcased his elite quarterback-chasing skills.
Meanwhile, Minnesota took the money they would have used on Hunter to sign Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard that offseason. That duo found success in the Vikings' defense and should return for a successful 2025.
When Hunter signed with the Texans last offseason, it was a two-year deal worth $49 million. Houston and Hunter didn't feel that number for 2025 matched his value and the defensive end will play under a new salary this season.
Former Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl defender rewarded for impressive 2024 season
ESPN reports that Danielle Hunter has agreed to a one-year extension that will see him get a $12 million raise for 2025. The former Minnesota Vikings edge rusher will have some of the cap hit from that roll into future years, but it is an impressive raise for the 30-year-old defender.
In eight seasons with the Vikings, Hunter registered double-digit sacks five times and was named to the Pro Bowl four times. With Houston last year, he ended with a career-high 23 quarterback hits and had 12 sacks. at the same time, returning to the Pro Bowl.
Danielle Hunter has proven himself to be one of the top edge rushers in the NFL. The former LSU standout is a threat to the opposing quarterback any time he is on the field and is being compensated as such.
Hunter tied for fifth in sacks in the NFL last season with 12. He tied with Vikings edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and finished only half a sack ahead of Greenard's teammate in Minnesota, Andrew Van Ginkel.
Danielle Hunter was a fan favorite for Minnesota and it was hard to see him leave the Vikings last offseason. Although goodbyes stink, it seems the change has worked out well for Hunter as well as the Vikings.
With Hunter on their roster, the Texans tied the Vikings in sacks during the 2024 NFL season. Houston and Minnesota finished fourth with 49 sacks behind only the Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, and Dallas Cowboys.
The sky is the limit for the pass rush of the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings in 2025. The two teams will likely be among the league's best again, with Danielle Hunter continuing to prove his sack prowess.