Former Vikings Pass Rusher Signs Huge New Deal

Over the course of this offseason — which is still relatively young, believe it or not — the Minnesota Vikings have spent a boatload of money in free agency. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell promised to invest in the trenches and they delivered on both sides of the ball, within 24 hours of the free agency negotiating window starting.

On defense, the front office has been focused on the interior defensive line. That’s because, this time last year, they did the same thing on the edge, signing Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel out of the 2024 free agent class. Both of those deals proved absolutely crucial to Minnesota’s surprising success last season.

But before they signed those two gamechangers to their new-look 2024 defense, they first had to say goodbye to Danielle Hunter, a pass rushing monster they drafted and developed into one of the best 4-3 defensive ends in football.

After the Minnesota Vikings decided against paying Danielle Hunter, he found a deal back in his hometown with the Houston Texans, worth two years, $49 million. He paid the Texans off for their investment with an impressive impressive debut season where he started all 17 games for his new team, racking up 12 sacks, 46 tackles (17 TFL) and a career-high 23 quarterback hits.

It was the third year in a row Hunter has played every game of the season, proving his ability to stay healthy, something that was far from guaranteed a couple years ago. With the Minnesota Vikings in 2023, Hunter recorded career highs in sacks (16.5), tackles (83), TFLs (23) and forced fumbles (4), which helped him his original deal in Houston.

Danielle Hunter cashing in after leaving Minnesota Vikings

But now, the Texans are ripping up last year’s contract, in exchange for a much bigger 2025 payday. Now, the 30-year-old LSU alum — who is coming off another Pro Bowl selection — will make $32 million this season and $54.1M fully guaranteed. His new deal makes Hunter the second-highest paid defensive end in the league, per Tom Pelissero (NFL Network).

The #Texans and Danielle Hunter have agreed to a one-year, $35.6 million contract extension that makes him the NFL’s second-highest paid defensive end, per sources.

Hunter will make $32M this season — a $12.5M raise — and $55.1M ($54.1M fully guaranteed) over the next two… pic.twitter.com/SR0UbySLse

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 19, 2025

The one-year extension is gaudy, for sure. Las Vegas Raiders DE Maxx Crosby is the only player at the position who is making more than Danielle Hunter, which also adds another year and more guaranteed money to the deal.

Related: Vikings O-Line Rental Lands Generous New Deal Elsewhere

When considering the top edge rushers in the league, it’s hard not to immediately bring up Hunter’s name. For Minnesota Vikings fans, he was part of an elite defensive end talent that spans Carl Eller, Jared Allen, and Everson Griffen.

As the Texans look to take another step forward this season, DeMeco Ryans will need plenty of his top contributors to show up once again. Hunter has been a Pro Bowl selection in five of the six seasons in which he has started at least 16 games. He also has accumulated 99.5 career sacks.

Danielle Hunter creating an optical illusion to set up his spin pic.twitter.com/AxO0e9b4Uz

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) September 9, 2024

MN Vikings value looking great on the edge

The Vikings sought an opportunity to spread money around when they moved on from Danielle Hunter last season. They found success in the form of Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard. That tandem combined for 23.5 sacks while each of them made the Pro Bowl and finished higher in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

This season the Texans will pay more for Hunter on his own ($32 million) than Minnesota will for their new tandem ($31.5 million). It’s beyond logical that Van Ginkel and Greenard could be looking for raises soon. It appears both would like to be in Minnesota long term.

Related: Vikings Linebackers Appear Committed to Minnesota

Van Ginkel really had a coming out season during his first in Minnesota. The 11.5 sacks were nearly double his previous career-high (6.0). He also picked off a pair of passes and took both back to the house.

OH MY GOSH ANDREW VAN GINKEL pic.twitter.com/9C3KMW9wRK

— Justin Penik (@JustinPenik) January 6, 2025

Brian Flores has no serious need for edge rushing talent with Van Ginkel, Greenard, and youngster Dallas Turner. It’s great Hunter got paid, but Minnesota played this perfectly.