6 bold Vikings predictions for free agency and the 2022 NFL Draft
By Chris Schad
Minnesota will extend Hunter
The other big decision for the Vikings will be the status of Danielle Hunter. Hunter enters this season with a $26.2 million cap hit that was designed to re-start negotiations. With another injury-shortened season in the books, Hunter’s situation has become complicated. But it’s one the Vikings would be wise to invest in.
Two years ago, Hunter was one of the best pass-rushers in the league. He became the fastest player in NFL history to collect 50 sacks and his 60.5 career sacks rank fifth since it became an official statistic in 1982. At that time, Hunter’s five-year, $72 million extension signed in 2018 was a bargain as premiere edge rushers around the league got paid.
Then came the injuries. A herniated disc in his neck sidelined him for the entire 2020 season. He recorded six sacks in seven games last season before tearing his pectoral muscle.
On top of this, the Vikings are switching to a 3-4 defensive scheme, which may not appeal to Hunter’s desires. With a desire to get paid and a new playbook to learn, Hunter may decide it’s best to get a fresh start.
But looking back at Adofo-Mensah’s history, there’s a good chance the Vikings work something out.
When he was the director of research and development with the San Francisco 49ers, John Lynch made acquiring defensive linemen a priority in the draft. When he was the assistant GM for the Cleveland Browns, Andrew Berry gave Myles Garrett a five-year, $125 million extension before adding Jadeveon Clowney and Takk McKinley in free agency.
All of this suggests that Adofo-Mensah will make improving the defensive line one of his first acts of business. Getting rid of Hunter would clear a good chunk of salary to make that happen, but at 27, the Vikings may decide to give him one last payday.