Vikings urged to sign the $67 million star before he joins rivals.
The Minnesota Vikings’ decision to let Danielle Hunter depart in free agency may only be the beginning of their difficulties with the four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher.
La Velle E. Neal of the Star Tribune suggested that Hunter, who is said to have a “very strong market” in free agency, could sign with the NFC North rival Detroit Lions or Chicago Bears if the Vikings do not re-sign him.
“This conclusion is extremely plausible and will most likely afflict Purple followers. Not only would Hunter go as a free agent, but the powerful defensive end would also join with the division,” Neal said in a February 17 essay. “Detroit’s Aidan Hutchinson and Chicago’s Montez Sweat would be happy to add another pass-rushing virtuoso to their rosters. And Hunter would get two chances per season to show the Vikings what they are missing.”
On February 10, ESPN’s Dan Graziano claimed that the Bears are “very high” on Hunter and have plenty of contract space to sign the 29-year-old, who is coming off career highs in sacks (16.5), forced fumbles (4), total tackles (89), and tied for the league lead with 23 tackles for loss.
Hunter’s health was called into doubt after missing the entire 2020 season with a neck injury and half of the 2021 season with a torn pectoral muscle, but he has since played every game over the last two years.
Neal pushed the Vikings to reach an agreement on a contract extension with Hunter to avoid the Lions or Bears forming one of the league’s most fearsome pass rush tandems with him.
“In order to eliminate the possibility of Hunter haunting the Vikings, all they have to do is sign him to a contract extension,” Neal stated in an email.
The difficulty with Neal’s appeal is that Hunter’s contract negotiations with the Vikings are currently “on hold.”
Danielle Hunter Waiting for Vikings to Handle Kirk Cousins’ Deal: Report
Unfortunately, the Vikings are unlikely to make a definitive decision on Cousins until after the NFL Scouting Combine. They’ve had months to reach an agreement, but nothing has been signed. When Cousins’ agent learns of his competing offers at the combine, there will most likely be one final negotiation.
If the Vikings truly want either star, they should sign them to an extension before receiving a competitive offer from a team with significantly more financial money to spend.
Danielle Hunter and Kirk Cousins’ Linked Fate
Signing Cousins without Hunter would diminish the Vikings’ pass rush and provide no more encouraging results than a first-round playoff exit.
However, moving on from Cousins would be a major step back, given Cousins’ $28 million dead cap if he is not re-signed.
If the Vikings draft well in 2024, Hunter might still be in his prime and contribute to the Vikings’ postseason run.
