It's the end of an era for the Minnesota Vikings. A day after Kirk Cousins departed for the Atlanta Falcons, another Vikings legend has found a new home.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, Danielle Hunter is signing with the Houston Texans. Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reports that it's a two-year deal worth $49 million.
It ends Hunter's incredible Vikings career. The former third-round pick made four Pro Bowl appearances and earned a second-team All-Pro selection. In 119 career games, Hunter had 87.5 sacks, the sixth-most in franchise history, 134 quarterback hits, and 108 tackles for loss.
Per PFF, Hunter has 181 quarterback pressures and 33 sacks since 2021. He is still one of the best in the league.
Hunter's phenomenal nine-year stay in Minnesota is over, but Vikings fans have shown him nothing but love since the news broke.
Vikings fans react to Danielle Hunter signing with Texans
While it's a sad moment to see Hunter leave, it's great that he landed a big deal with the Texans. Vikings fans are disappointed but wish him the best and are relieved that he won't be joining a rival within the NFC.
Danielle Hunter will be missed. Thank you for an incredible tenure in Minnesota.
— Vikes\/erified (@VikesVV) March 12, 2024
What an incredible fit for him paired with Will Anderson Jr.
That Texans team is looking filthy 🔥
48 million fully guaranteed I'm so happy for @DHunt94_TX well earned thank you for all the memories 99 https://t.co/WeSsByeSM4 pic.twitter.com/loqKumMfkc
— Mike Castellino (@MikeCastellino) March 12, 2024
Thank you for everything Danielle. Took pay cuts with class and outperformed them. https://t.co/s31cOYGVB9
— DelMedico (@lukedelmed) March 12, 2024
Thank you Danielle Hunter 🥲 #Skol
— Evan Gustafson (@EvanGus01770854) March 12, 2024
We will miss him in Minnesota, but this is a phenomenal fit for Danielle Hunter. DeMeco Ryans is going to unleash him opposite Will Anderson as a wide 9 https://t.co/VMjtNblldd
— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) March 12, 2024
no more danielle hunter vikings all-22 pic.twitter.com/03DCXlpEMn
— Nick Olson (@NickOlsonNFL) March 12, 2024
The Texans are going to be so fun to watch next season. https://t.co/sxCjqE8ija
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) March 12, 2024
he's out of the division at least. https://t.co/8b246YHaTY
— Luke Braun (@LukeBraunNFL) March 12, 2024
The good news is that Hunter isn't moving to an NFC rival. Vikings fans can wish him well, and he has an opportunity to make a playoff run in Houston, joining second-year Will Anderson Jr. to form an excellent pass-rush duo. Adding Hunter could help the Texans reach the next level in a crowded AFC playoff picture.
Minnesota enters a new era. There are questions over the long-term future at quarterback—will the Vikings add competition for new signing Sam Darnold?
One thing we can all agree on is that Hunter is an all-time great, and we wish him the best with the Texans.