3 Top Takeaways: Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions – Week 9

Vikings committed a world-class heist with Hunter’s extension

Of the Vikings’ numerous roster moves made this past offseason, re-signing defensive end Danielle Hunter is turning out to be their smartest decision.

Back in June, Minnesota and Hunter agreed to a five-year extension worth up to $72 million (around $14 million per season). So far this year, the deal looks like a major steal.

Through nine games in 2018, Hunter is leading the NFL with 11.5 sacks. The 24-year-old defensive end was a big part of the Vikings’ defensive dominance on Sunday against the Lions as he finished with nine tackles, 3.5 sacks, four hits on the quarterback, and a 32-yard return touchdown off of a fumble recovery.

Had Minnesota not given Hunter an extension in June, it would have potentially cost the team even more to retain him in 2019 with either the franchise tag or a new contract.

With a bunch of money already tied to players like Kirk Cousins and Stefon Diggs, the Vikings might not have even been able to afford the type of money the young defensive end would command next season. But Minnesota clearly felt Hunter was worth giving a new deal to this year and he is definitely proving them to be very, very right so far this season.