5 best decisions ever made by Vikings GM Rick Spielman
By Dustin Baker
Orchestrating a team-friendly contract for Hunter
Pass-rushers have always been important to the game of football, but it seems with the emphasis on passing in the league that EDGE rushers are now paramount. Thanks to Rick Spielman, the Vikings have their disruptive defensive end in Danielle Hunter. And, they have him signed at a relatively affordable price.
In comparison to other EDGE rushers and considering Hunter’s age and performance–his contract is truly team-friendly.
On average, he brings home about $14.4 million per year. In his upper-echelon class of EDGE rushers, some players demand (and get) over $20 million annually. Minnesota will likely have to visit this conversation with Hunter in time, but not now.
Since 2017, Hunter has accrued the third-most sacks in the NFL. However, he is being compensated closer to the 20th-best EDGE rusher in the business. This is not exactly ideal for him personally, but it is wondrous for the Vikings.
The team-friendly aspect allows Spielman to spend money on other players such as Minnesota’s expensive linebacking personnel, primarily Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks.