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REPORT: 'Mutual Interest' Between Texans And Star Pass Rusher Danielle Hunter? - Houston Free Agency Tracker

The 2024 free agency period will be a busy time for the Houston Texans, who are one of the top destinations with nearly $70.0 million to spend.

Matt Galatzan

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MARCH 12 HUNTER TO HOUSTON? According to reports from KPRC 2, there is mutual interest between the Houston Texans and star Minnesota Vikings free agent pass rusher Danielle Hunter. 

However, according to the report, nothing is imminent between the two parties, and multiple teams are interested in Hunter's services.

Hunter, 29, has been with the Vikings for nine years, although he did not play in 2020 due to a severe neck injury. Aside from that, though, he's been a dominant force throughout his career, racking up 87.5 sacks in eight seasons.

According to Spotrac, Hunter's market value is just over $20 million annually. A hefty price tag to be sure, but for a player like Hunter, who ESPN ranks as the eighth-best free agent in this class, it's a price that many teams will happily pay.

MARCH 11 TOWNSEND SIGNED The Houston Texans are signing free agent and former Kansas City Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend to a two-year $6 million deal, according to multiple reports. 

The Texans had a void at the punter position after the departure of Cam Johnston, who agreed to his own deal in free agency on Monday, 

Last season, Towsend had 59 punts for an average of 47.1 yards per punt, and downed 20 of his attempts inside the 20 for the Super Bowl champions. 

MARCH 11 JOHNSON SIGNS The Houston Texans have added some cornerback help, signing defensive back Lonnie Johnson Jr. to a one-year $2.5 million deal, per a report from KPRC 2.

Johnson was originally a second-round pick of the Texans out of Kentucky in 2019 before he was traded. Johnson then spent 2022 with the Titans before a stint with the Saints last season. 

He has 192 total tackles, four interceptions and 15 passes defended in his five-year career. 

MARCH 11 POLLARD GONE Another Houston Texans running back target is off of the board. 

Shortly after D'Andre Swift agreed to sign with the Bears on Monday afternoon, Texans running back target Tony Pollard quickly followed suit, signing with the Tennessee Titans on a three-year, $24 million deal. 

Counted on to be a young, cheaper Ezekiel Elliott last season in Dallas, Pollard disappointed in his solo spotlight last season. He had one just 100-yard game and the Cowboys rushed for almost 20 yards less per game in 2023 with him than in 2022 with Elliott.

MAR 11 TEXANS OUT ON SWIFT D'Andre Swift was the first running back to sign with a team. According to KPRC, Swift signed a three-year, $24.0 million deal with the Chicago Bears. The Texans are still in the running for All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley. 

MAR 11 TEXANS LIKE MOSS? Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has expressed interest in improving the Texans' running back market. 

But Despite rumors of Saquon Barkley, KPRC reports that the Texans have expressed interest in running back Zack Moss. The Titans, Packers and Browns reportedly also have eyes for Moss.

Last year with the Colts Moss finished with 183 carries for 794 yards and five scores, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He also added 27 catches for 192 yards and two scores.

DeMeco Ryans
Texans' coach DeMeco Ryans celebrates victory inside NRG Stadium.  / © Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

MAR 11 TEXANS RUNNING IT BACK?  At the start of free agency, the Texans have re-signed seven of their 25 pending free agents, headlined by tight end Dalton Schultz. 

He agreed to a three-year deal worth $36.0 million. Schultz recorded 59 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns while averaging a career-high 10.8 yards per catch.

MAR 11 TEXANS SIGN FATUKASI The Texans agreed to terms with former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Foley Fatukasi, who reunites with Matt Burke.

Fatukasi wanted to sign with a franchise before the start of the tampering period on March 11 because of the expanded market. Since he was released, the 29-year-old defender did not need to wait until March 13 to sign with a different franchise.

A sixth-round pick out of UConn in 2018, Fatukasi played for Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke as a member of the New York Jets in 2021. Fatukasi also spent one season in Robert Saleh’s defensive front, which mirrors similar schemes to Texans’ Ryans. 

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Matt Galatzan
MATT GALATZAN

Matt Galatzan the Editor-In-Chief of TexansDaily.com. Galatzan graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration. Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry under Mike Fisher at DallasBasketball.com in 2014, which at the time was part of the 247Sports network. He also spent two years covering the SMU Mustangs for PonyStampede.com on the 247Sports network. When DallasBasketball.com and CowboysCountry.com moved over to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, Galatzan followed suit, eventually being taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of LonghornsCountry.com and AllAggies.com a year later. Through the years, Galatzan has conducted a handful of high-profile one-on-one interviews to add to his resume — in both writing and podcasting. Some of his biggest interviews have been with Mavs owner Mark Cuban, former Longhorns players Dan Neil and Phil Dawson, and many other recruits, and current/former players for each of the teams he has covered. Galatzan is also a full-time employee in the digital media department for Audacy and KRLD FM's 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, which is the official radio home of the Dallas Cowboys. You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels. For any inquiries, please email matt.galatzan@gmail.com