How Texans just became the Hunter with their splashiest free agent move yet

THAT JUST HAPPENED!

Texans CJ Stroud, DeMeco Ryans
The Texans are signing one of the best pass-rushers on the market. Composite Getty Image.

The Houston Texans caught everyone by surprise when they traded for Joe Mixon on Tuesday. Well, it didn't take long for the Texans to top that move.

According to multiple reports, the Houston Texans are signing former Vikings pass-rusher Danielle Hunter to a 2-year, $49 million deal with $48 million guaranteed.

Hunter (age 29) is a 4-time Pro Bowler that played every game over the past two seasons. He recorded 16.5 sacks in 2023 with 22 quarterback hits.

Basically, the Texans traded pass rushers with the Vikings, as Jonathan Greenard signed with Minnesota on Monday. With the addition of Hunter and defensive end Denico Autry in free agency, Houston has a lot of flexibility on their d-line.

Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson should be thrilled about this addition, as Hunter and Autry will attract a lot of attention on the opposite side of the line.

Plus, the Colts were rumored to be interested in Hunter. So not only do the Texans get him, but that also means the Colts don't.

Texans tackle Tytus Howard certainly likes the move!

It will be interesting to see how the Texans deploy their pass-rushers. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein believes the Texans can get creative with their alignments, with both Autry and Hunter joining the team.

Interesting...

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The Astros beat the Cubs, 2-0. Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images.

Jose Altuve hit a two-run homer and Framber Valdez tossed six shutout innings, and the Houston Astros beat the Chicago Cubs 2-0 on Sunday.

Altuve’s 13th home run of the season broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning. It was his first extra base hit in 34 at bats and the Astros' only extra base hit of the game.

Valdez (9-4) struck out six while allowing five hits and two walks.

Only one man reached third base against him. He exited with two on and nobody out in the seventh, but Bryan Abreu replaced him and retired Michael Busch, Vidal Bruján and Ian Happ to work out of trouble.

Abreu pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning. He struck out four of the six men he faced.

Josh Hader retired the side in order in the ninth inning to convert on his franchise record 23rd straight save opportunity to start the season.

Jameson Taillon (7-6) matched zeroes with Valdez until Altuve’s home run on his 107th and final pitch of his outing. He struck out four while giving up five hits and one walk over 4 2/3 innings.

The bullpen trio of Ryan Brasier, Ryan Pressly and Brad Keller held the Astros to two hits over 3 1/3 innings.

Key Moment

Altuve’s fifth inning, two-run homer to break the scoreless tie.

Key Stat

The Astros are unbeaten in their last 11 series, dating back to May 22, going 9-0-2 in that span.

Up Next

The Cubs open a three-game series against the Guardians on Tuesday with LHP Matthew Boyd (7-3 2.65 ERA) against RHP Gavin Williams (5-3 3.68 ERA).

The Astros open a three-game series at the Rockies on Tuesday with LHP Colton Gordon (3-1 3.98 ERA) against RHP Chase Dollander (2-8 6.06 EA).

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