How Texans just became the Hunter with their splashiest free agent move yet
THAT JUST HAPPENED!
12 March 2024
THAT JUST HAPPENED!
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.
Danielle Hunter grew up outside Houston. Now, after nine seasons in Minnesota, he joins his hometown team on a two-year, $49 million deal that includes $48M guaranteed. Max $51M with incentives. https://t.co/wrSqyqkVx0
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2024
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!
Our DLine is crazyyyyyy
— Tytus Howard (@tyhoward71) March 12, 2024
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.
I know the Texans will sit in nickel as their primary base package more than they won't, but Autry and Hunter give the Texans the ability to become more varied with their alignments as Autry can play 5T in a true odd-front look.
— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) March 12, 2024
Interesting...
Denico Autry can play base but with Hunter in Houston now, his role me be more as a sub-rusher inside. With Hunter, Anderson and Autry hunting the quarterback.... look out.
— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) March 12, 2024
The Houston Texans might be flying under the radar, but are they quietly building one of the NFL's best rosters? In this episode, we dive into why the Texans could have the third-best defense in the league, and whether the hype around stars like Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. is justified.
We also question Pro Football Focus and other ranking systems: Is Will Anderson being graded fairly among elite edge rushers?
Weak interior?
Are the Texans really in the low 20s for interior D-line rankings?
Plus, we talk about the latest on Juice Scruggs. Is he still in the mix, or just holding a spot with no reps? And don’t miss our take on whether the Texans have the best combo of offensive and defensive players in the NFL right now.
Watch the video below as ESPN Houston's John Granato and Lance Zierlein break it all down!
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