4 Vikings players who could get big-time money in the future
By Dean Jones
Danielle Hunter – DE
Danielle Hunter‘s presence on the field has been sorely missed this season. The stud pass-rusher hasn’t played a down in 2020 due to a neck injury and the sooner he’s fit and firing on all cylinders for the Vikings, the better their chances will be moving forward.
Minnesota is only averaging 1.6 sacks-per-game without Hunter, which is a strong indicator as to how vital the former LSU star is to their defensive scheme.
Hopefully, for the player and the Vikings, he can make a full return to health in 2021 to further boost a front seven that should also have free-agent signing Michael Pierce available after he opted out due to COVID-19 health concerns.
Minnesota might also be facing a potential problem regarding Hunter’s contract. He appears vastly underpaid considering what other dominant pass-rushers across the league have received of late and there are rumors of him looking for a deal that better suits his production on the field.
This is a situation that the Vikings must handle with care. Minnesota has some significant salary-cap problems and giving Hunter money similar to what the Los Angeles Chargers just gave to Joey Bosa when the long-term implications of his herniated disc aren’t yet known just wouldn’t be the smartest move by the front office at this juncture.
However, if Hunter comes back and is immediately the player of old, then a substantial deal might not be too far behind.