Danielle Hunter agrees to new one-year deal with Vikings
Danielle Hunter has agreed to a new one-year deal–that could be worth up to $20 million–to remain with the Minnesota Vikings, NFL.com insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport were first to report Sunday.
Hunter will earn $17 million guaranteed with a no-tag clause, per Pelissero.
Minnesota and Hunter, 28, were previously in a stand-off in contract negotiations. He did not participate in voluntary offseason workouts, mandatory minicamp and training camp, even though he reported to the latter.
It was reported by ESPN Saturday evening that the Vikings have “evaluated trade options” for Hunter, who had a base salary of $4.9 million in 2023, with the understanding that the All-Pro EDGE rusher would want to be traded or released if a new deal didn’t come into fruition.
“My hope is that we can work towards him being out on the practice field with us sooner rather than later,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said Saturday. “He’s been great. Looking forward to taking it one day at a time. I’ve not tried to hide my feelings. Danielle Hunter is a very special player. As soon as we can get him out here, you’ll see him out and our fans will see him out here.”
Whether it’s in Minnesota or with another franchise, Hunter is on track for a big payday next summer. In the Vikings’ “competitive rebuild,” they have lost aging defensive pieces in Eric Kendricks, Dalvin Tomlinson and Za’Darius Smith. Minnesota has a significantly below-average front seven outside of Hunter, so retaining him was paramount.
Hunter logged 10.5 sacks in 17 games last season, totaling 65 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss and 22 quarterback hits. Hunter has spent all seven seasons with the Vikings, having tallied 379 tackles–262 solo–with 71.0 sacks, 85 tackles-for-loss, 112 quarterback hits, seven forced fumbles and three pass breakups.
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