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Texans Restructure Stingley and Hand Danielle Hunter a $40.1 Million Extension Ahead of Free Agency

Houston is creating near-term cap room to keep its elite defense intact before free agency.

Overview

  • The Texans finalized a restructure for Derek Stingley Jr., converting most of his 2026 base salary into a signing bonus to lower his cap hit, with reports differing on the exact converted amount (~$21.59 million vs. ~$20.38 million).
  • Defensive end Danielle Hunter agreed to a one-year, $40.1 million extension that includes a $30.7 million signing bonus and runs through 2027, a structure expected to reduce his 2026 cap charge.
  • Tight end Dalton Schultz secured a one-year, $12.6 million extension, lifting his combined guarantees for 2026–27 to $17.6 million and easing his 2026 cap number.
  • Following these moves, Houston holds roughly $22.4 million in cap space per OverTheCap, after also creating about $8 million by releasing running back Joe Mixon.
  • League reporters indicate additional restructures or extensions are being evaluated for players such as Jalen Pitre, Nico Collins, Azeez Al-Shaair and E.J. Speed, with a major Will Anderson Jr. deal expected later this offseason.