Colts reportedly offered free agent defensive end more money than team he signed with

Free agency isn't solely about money for some players, and defensive end Danielle Hunter is apparently one such player.

Hunter signed a nice, two-year, $49 million deal with the Houston Texans this offseason. But, according to ESPN's Stephen Holder, Hunter turned down a larger offer from the Indianapolis Colts in order to sign in Houston.

From Holder:

"The Colts earnestly chased Vikings free agent pass-rusher Danielle Hunter, even offering him more money than the Houston Texans -- a two-year, $49 million ($48 million guaranteed) deal -- ultimately gave him, according to a team source. But after that failed pursuit and considering other potential moves, the Colts had some decisions to make on their own free agents before they availed themselves of alternatives."

Home is where the heart is

Hunter grew up outside of Houston in Katy, Texas, and that played a major part in his decision to sign with the Texans, as he's understandably excited to return home to continue his career.

“It’s an honor to be able to come back and play in front of my family and all of the people I grew up with," Hunter said at his introductory press conference with the Texans ". . . It will be fun [for them] to be able to come to a game and see me play."

In addition to returning home to play, Hunter is also eager for the opportunity to play for Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, who was an impactful defensive player during his own playing days.

"I like that he understands the players; he understands players and having them be able to go out there and play for each other as one unit," Hunter said of Ryans. "He brings in the family aspect of playing football."

It's tough to fault a guy for wanting to return home to play in front of friends and family. Plus, it's refreshing to see that playing the game isn't all about money for some players. Sure, Hunter would have looked nice in a Colts uniform, but there's no reason for Indianapolis fans to dwell on his decision.