Top Move!: Texans' Danielle Hunter Signing Viewed A No. 1 Offseason Signing

The Houston Texans reportedly struck gold with the addition of four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter

Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Danielle Hunter (99) warms / Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans struck gold with the addition of four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter in free agency. Even at the time, national analysts dubbed it a "win-win" for both sides.

Now, one website believes it was the top move of the offseason.

Nov 19, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Danielle Hunter (99) reacts / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

According to CBS Sports, Hunter's addition was the "smartest move" made by any team this offseason. Houston is getting one the league's premier edge rushers without breaking the bank while Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. continues to flourish in DeMeco Ryans' defensive front.

As for Hunter, he returns home on a two-year deal and could cash in for one more promising pay day after his age 31 season in 2025.

The Texans are paying $24.5 million a year for one of he best pass rushers in football. Hunter has double-digit sacks in the last four seasons in which he's played 10+ games and is coming off a season during which he finished fifth in the NFL in sacks (16.5) and led the league with 23 tackles for loss. He finished the 2023 season with 83 tackles, 80 pressures and a pressure rate of 13.4% - CBS Sports.

After a slow start following his career at LSU, Hunter has blossomed into of the league's finest at pressuring quarterbacks. Since 2016, he finished with 10-plus sacks five times, including back-to-back years in 2018-19 and 2022-23.

Hunter also is exceptional defending the run. He's notched six double-digit tackle seasons over the past eight years, including two seasons on 20 or more in 2018 and 2023.

"He has the length. I think that's what sets you apart as a as a pass-rusher," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said last week during annual league meetings last week. in Orlando, Fla. "Danielle's length and his ability to consistently get after the quarterback -- he's had double-digit sacks multiple times in his career, and we're looking for him to add constant pressure on the quarterback."

Anderson, who broke J.J. Watt's rookie sack record with seven quarterback takedowns, is still learning how to play the position entering Year 2, and credited Greenard taking him under his wing. He'll receive the same teaching from Hunter, who currently ranks 11th in sacks among active players.

The Texans are coming off a promising first season with a franchise record 46 sacks. Greenard, who inked a four-year deal with Hunter's old team, was responsible for a quarter (12.5) of the production.

Adding Hunter — who finished with four more quarterback takedowns — only plays into Ryans' plan more. The Texans wanted to upgrade across the board. With Hunter, Houston not only profits for the short-term, but also potentially the long game.