The Minnesota Vikings have made many roster changes following their 13-win season under then-first-year head coach Kevin O’Connell. Dalvin Cook appears set to find a new home soon, possibly with the New York Jets. From the sound of it, Danielle Hunter might not be far behind him in landing in a new destination.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Vikings have continued to make the three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher available via trade. Usually, teams try and keep good players, but Hunter is in the final year of his contract and is seeking an extension. Hunter is set to make a base salary of $4.9 million in 2023 but holds a cap hit of $13.1 million.
New contract negotiations have been complicated by many factors. Not only are the Vikings thinking about the future budget, knowing contracts for T.J. Hockenson and Justin Jefferson are on the way, but Hunter has also battled some serious injuries in the recent past. In 2020, Hunter missed the entire season with a herniated disk in his neck.
Then the freakish pass-rusher bounced back by tallying 10.5 sacks while making it through a full 17-game season in 2022. Still just 28 years old, it would appear Hunter has several more productive seasons ahead, but the front office may not be able to agree on contract value, which is a common theme in Minnesota this offseason.
If the Vikings do decide to trade Hunter, they can likely get a Day 2 selection in return, but will that outweigh the potential impact the sack artist can have on the field this season? It’s a question the front office will have to consider if discussions get serious. But you can expect plenty of interest.
Related: Dalvin Cook reveals he has ‘about five’ teams interested