Houston Texans' head coach DeMeco Ryans expressed a desire to retain wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who had a notable impact during his brief stint with the team last season. However, financial disagreements led to Diggs signing a lucrative three-year deal with the New England Patriots, where he will serve as a key target for second-year quarterback Drake Maye. The Texans opted to bolster their roster elsewhere, trading for Christian Kirk and extending defensive stars Derek Stingley Jr. and Danielle Hunter instead.

While the Texans secured their defense with significant contracts, the absence of Diggs is notable for their offensive plans. With C.J. Stroud at the helm, the Texans are now on the lookout for another receiver to complement their existing roster, which includes Kirk, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell, who is recovering from injury. Ryans remains optimistic about moving forward, wishing Diggs success in his new role with the Patriots.

Maxx Crosby's recent extension set a new precedent for non-quarterback salaries in the NFL. However, that record didn't last long as multiple players quickly surpassed it. Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns became the highest-paid non-quarterback with a $40 million extension, followed closely by Ja'Marr Chase's record-breaking deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, which averages $40.25 million annually. Danielle Hunter also secured a $35.6 million extension from the Texans.

These contracts highlight the growing financial power of non-quarterbacks in the league, with wide receivers and pass rushers dominating the highest-paid lists. Players such as Micah Parsons, Aidan Hutchinson, and Trey Hendrickson are expected to benefit from this trend as they negotiate their own contracts. In terms of guaranteed money, Garrett remains at the top, followed by Nick Bosa and Chase, who made history with his $112 million guarantee.

The Houston Texans have made significant adjustments in their roster heading into the 2025 season, highlighted by the trade of All-Pro left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders. Despite this major move, the Texans have bolstered their squad with key acquisitions like defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and versatile defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, along with several other strategic signings.

Among the notable extensions are All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter. As a result of these changes, Houston is projected to have around $29 million in cap space, positioning them well for the upcoming season. The Texans currently have a total of 12 players with a cap hit exceeding $5 million for 2025, with the largest hits coming from Danielle Hunter ($23.7 million) and Dalton Schultz ($14 million).

The Houston Texans have solidified their defense by extending Danielle Hunter's contract for another year, making him one of the NFL's highest-paid edge rushers. This strategic move extends his tenure with the Texans through the 2026 season and provides him with an impressive $35.6 million in new money. Hunter, who led the team with 12 sacks last season and was pivotal in the Texans' defensive line, had previously been set to become a free agent after the 2025 season.

This contract extension comes on the heels of another significant deal with cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., showcasing the Texans' commitment to fortifying their roster as they clear cap space through trades and restructures. The Texans' front office aims to build a competitive team by investing in key defensive players, establishing a solid foundation for the upcoming seasons.