Danielle Hunter continues to seek a new contract, and the Vikings are now considering “creative solutions” in case they can’t agree to a new deal with the pass rusher. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Vikings have “evaluated trade options” for Hunter, with sources from multiple teams indicating that the Vikings have made the player available.
Potential suitors reportedly reached out to the Vikings about a trade for Hunter earlier this offseason, although there were never any serious talks. While previous reports seemed to hint that rival teams were initiating the trade talks, it now appears to be the other way around.
This news probably doesn’t bode well for Hunter’s chances of getting a new deal in Minnesota. The veteran is set to earn $5.5M next season thanks to previous contract restructurings, and he’s looking for a raise following a bounce-back 2022 campaign that saw him finish with 10.5 sacks. Per Fowler, the Vikings have made extension offers to Hunter’s camp but “not on a long-term deal the player feels is commensurate with his skill set.”
Hunter skipped OTAs and mandatory minicamp but showed up for the start of training camp. Fowler notes that the edge defender is still not practicing, an indication that Hunter could be engaging in a hold-in. Fowler adds that the general understanding is that Hunter still prefers his release or trade if he doesn’t get a new contract from the Vikings.
Hunter missed the entire 2020 campaign and was limited to only seven games in 2021 before returning to his All-Pro production in 2022. The 28-year-old finished the season with 65 tackles and 10.5 sacks while finishing as Pro Football Focus’ seventh-best edge defender (among 119 qualifying players). Hunter is still playing out a five-year, $72M extension he signed with the Vikings back in 2018.
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