Best Offseason Move: CBS Sports Applauds Texans’ Elite Defensive End Signing
The Houston Texans made significant strides this offseason, surpassing other teams with their impressive moves. While their trades for running back Joe Mixon and wide receiver Stefon Diggs were notable, CBS Sports highlights the signing of defensive end Danielle Hunter as the standout move that positioned them as offseason winners.
“The trade for four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs garnered significant attention, and rightfully so. However, the best move the Houston Texans made this offseason was signing four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter from the Minnesota Vikings on a two-year, $49 million deal.”
Hunter’s acquisition is a major coup. With 16.5 sacks last season—fifth-most in the NFL—and 80 quarterback pressures, he ranked tenth. Since his 2016 NFL debut, only Khalil Mack, a three-time First Team All-Pro edge rusher, has more seasons with at least six sacks (nine) than Hunter’s eight. Securing a proven pass rusher like Hunter at age 29 is a significant achievement for the Texans.
More importantly, Hunter’s presence will benefit 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., who recorded 59 quarterback pressures, the third-most by a rookie in the past five seasons. Only Nick Bosa, the 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and three-time All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons had more pressures as rookies in the last five years. Learning from and playing alongside Hunter will be invaluable for Anderson’s career development, enhancing the Texans’ defense both now and in the future.
There is no doubt that Hunter will significantly bolster head coach DeMeco Ryans’ defense. Entering his eighth season, Hunter is still in his prime and expected to continue his quarterback-sacking dominance in Houston. His partnership with Will Anderson Jr. promises to create challenges for opposing offensive lines, with Ryans noting that the two have already developed a strong rapport that should translate well on the field.
