Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. was ‘jumping up and down’ after Danielle Hunter signed

No one was happier to see the Texans sign pass rusher Danielle Hunter more than reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr.

No one was more excited about the Houston Texans’ signing of edge rusher Danielle Hunter than his newest teammate: Will Anderson Jr.

The reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year told KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson he was “jumping up and down” with excitement after he heard the news.

“I was just jumping up and down. I was so excited because now teams gotta choose who they gotta double-team,” Anderson said. “He’s a great guy. He loves football. I can’t wait to learn from him and go out there and wreak havoc with him.”

Hunter brings eight years and 119 games of NFL experience to the Texans — information that could be critical for the development of Anderson in his second season.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans hopes the pair of Hunter and Anderson can create one of the most explosive defensive line units in the NFL. Anderson finished the 2023 season seven sacks and 22 quarterback hits, while Hunter hit a career-high mark with 16.5 sacks and tied his career-best with 22 quarterback hits.

Anderson and Hunter will be the centerpieces of Ryans’ defense moving forward, but they aren’t the only pieces on the line. Houston also added defensive lineman Denico Autry, Mario Edwards, Tim Settle, Foley Fatukasi and re-signed Derek Barnett. Jonathan Greenard left for the Minnesota Vikings, Sheldon Rankins signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and Maleik Collins was traded to the San Francisco 49ers.