After a 2-4 start, the Minnesota Vikings have become popular picks to be sellers ahead of the Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline. But that doesn’t mean they’re willing to take any offer that comes their way, especially for valued players such as Danielle Hunter.
Hunter is in the final year of his contract, and the Vikings have received several trade calls about their three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, but he’s not guaranteed to be traded if the team continues its struggles over the next two weeks.
Related: Is Danielle Hunter Worth A First-Round Pick?
According to The Athletic‘s Dianna Russini, the Vikings have not been shopping Hunter, but they have listened to trade offers. The issue is none of the offers for Hunter have been “substantial.”
The same goes for Kirk Cousins, who is also in the final year of his contract, but the Vikings QB isn’t interested in waiving his no-trade clause and prefers to stay in Minnesota for the remainder of the season.
Both Hunter and Cousins are likely to generate tons of interest should they reach unrestricted free agency this offseason. If the Vikings let either or both go, they’d position themselves to land an extra third-round pick via the compensatory pick formula in 2025, as long as they don’t sign significant free agents too. Knowing this, it may take at least something more valuable than a third-round selection to entice Minnesota into agreeing to a trade.
Other Vikings who could be up for grabs include K.J. Osborn, who’s also in a contract year and is not expected to remain in Minnesota as the team prioritizes an extension with Justin Jefferson. Jordan Addison’s presence as the starter opposite Jefferson could make a trade more likely, but his injury could throw a wrench into the team’s short-term plans at the deadline.
Related: NFL trade block: A look at players who could be moved ahead of Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline