How much is Danielle Hunter worth to the Minnesota Vikings, and should the organization even pay it in the current financial climate?
The Minnesota Vikings could have a problem on their hands regarding stud defensive end Danielle Hunter. The prolific pass-rusher is reportedly trying to force the issue regarding a big contract despite the current financial predicament across the league, which has seen plenty of trade rumors flying around regarding one of the best in the business when it comes to getting after the quarterback.
There is little doubt that Hunter is an integral part of the Vikings. His presence was sorely missed in 2020 when he was forced to miss the entire campaign with a serious neck injury. Getting him back on the edge will be essential if Mike Zimmer’s men want to make a postseason return next time around.
Minnesota has worked wonders to comply with an eight percent reduction in the salary cap thanks to revenue losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. So bowing to Hunter’s reported demands of a more lucrative deal might not be in the team’s mindset at the present time.
Losing such an influential player who comes into the campaign with a big point to prove wouldn’t be ideal. Hopefully, an agreement can be reached between all parties involved and Hunter can remain part of the Vikings moving forward.
However, this is a precarious situation, and one Minnesota must handle carefully. It is not simply a case of paying a premier pass-rusher the going rate. Things are far more complicated where Hunter is concerned.
Hunter’s contract situation
Danielle Hunter is still making good money on the final three years of his deal, of that there is little doubt. The former LSU phenom is counting $17.75 million against the Vikings’ cap in 2021, which is second behind quarterback Kirk Cousins and the sixth-highest among defensive ends across the league, according to Spotrac.
However, Hunter will be looking enviously at the likes of Joey Bosa following his mega-bucks deal with the Los Angeles Chargers and think he might be worth a little bit more than Minnesota is currently paying him.
The edge rusher will be 29-years-old when his contract runs out with the Vikings, which means there might only be one more opportunity for a bumper payday between now and when he hangs up his cleats.
Few would argue that Hunter isn’t one of the more dominant defensive linemen coming off the edge. He recorded 14.5 sacks in consecutive seasons before a serious injury in 2020 and he has 54.5 quarterback takedowns in total over his five seasons in the NFL.
This outstanding production earned Hunter a five-year, $72 million deal in 2018, which was a significant financial outlay at the time. Recent deals for others at the position now have this contract looking like a bargain if he can return to the form of old, and therein lies the problem.
Making him the highest-paid defensive player in the league is a massive gamble. Hunter is undoubtedly on his way to being one of Minnesota’s greatest ever players at the position, but the complications with such an extension are there for all to see.
Should the Vikings pay Hunter?
The simple answer to this question is yes, the Vikings should pay Danielle Hunter the going rate.
Just not this offseason.
Although his importance is unquestioned, there is simply no telling just what a significant injury will do for his long-term aspirations. This isn’t an ACL tear or a broken arm, it is a herniated disc and it potentially comes with more complications than other common football injuries.
If Hunter makes a return to his old self and produces 10 to 15 sacks next season, then give the player whatever he wants next year. Make no mistake, he will have earned it.
The Vikings aren’t in any position to be giving out bumper extensions in the current financial climate anyway. Hunter will be all-too-aware of this, so it might be that the defensive end is looking to get away from the organization in a similar fashion to what we saw during the Stefon Diggs saga before he was shipped to the Buffalo Bills.
One player doesn’t make a team. Minnesota could get a first-round pick and more in return for Hunter if they began taking calls and they may even have the pick of the pass-rushers available in the 2021 NFL Draft at No. 14 overall considering how offense-heavy the top-10 is expected to be.
4 ways the Minnesota Vikings can improve on defense in 2021
How can Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer improve things from a defensive standpoint after a disappointing 2020 campaign overall?
Hopefully, recent discussions between Mike Zimmer and Hunter have been positive. But there promises to be plenty of twists and turns to come regarding this situation that will undoubtedly come with huge ramifications.