2024 NFL free agency: Texans interested in DEs Danielle Hunter and Chase Young

The Houston Texans could still be on the hunt for more defensive line help.

Despite adding defensive end Denico Autry on a two-year deal on the first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period, reports indicate the Texans are interested in edge rushers Danielle Hunter and Chase Young.

Houston and Hunter, who played for the Minnesota Vikings for the past nine seasons, have mutual interest in a deal, according to KPCR 2’s Aaron Wilson. Hunter, 29, went to high school in nearby Katy, Texas, before playing at LSU. He wracked up a career-high 16.5 sacks this past season and has 87.5 career sacks in 119 games. Hunter was a third-round pick in 2025.

Young is a different case. The Texans could take a look at Young, according to Sports Illustrated’s Coty Davis. He’s also set to visit the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints this week, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero,

The former 2020 No. 2 spent the final nine games of this past season with the San Francisco 49ers after a mid-year trade from the Washington Commanders. Young tallied 2.5 sacks with the 49ers after five sacks with the Commanders in 2023. He has 16.5 career sacks in 43 games. Young comes with a lot of injury concerns, though, after he tore his ACL in Week 10 of the 2021 season and missed all but three games in 2022 while he recovered.

This will come down to price for general manager Nick Caserio, who’s already shown restraint with his other moves this week. Hunter is a little bit older but has been very productive and therefore more expensive. Young might cost less but hasn’t been a consistent pass-rushing threat since his 7.5-sack rookie season in 2020.