As they search for ways to create cap space, the Minnesota Vikings are reportedly attempting to trade defensive end Danielle Hunter this offseason.
Changes to the Minnesota Vikings were inevitable when the team parted ways with general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer last January. One of these changes for the Vikings appears that it could be a roster without Danielle Hunter.
The possibility of Minnesota moving on from Hunter this offseason has always been there, but now it’s starting to seem more realistic.
On Wednesday, the Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling revealed that the Vikings have been “trying to trade,” their top defensive end this year to help improve the team’s salary cap situation.
Will the Minnesota Vikings trade Danielle Hunter?
In terms of a return package, Minnesota should be able to acquire some valuable assets from another team in exchange for Hunter.
Getting a first-round pick back doesn’t seem like a crazy request, but the Vikings might have to settle for a second-round selection if they don’t get any better offers.
If Minnesota trades Hunter, his departure will create almost $15 million in much-needed cap space. After deciding to commit another two seasons to quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Vikings are finding out that they are likely going to have to part with some of their best players in order to fill their roster this offseason.
Despite only appearing in seven games during the last two years, Hunter should still have a bunch of trade interest from teams around the NFL. We’ve already seen a bunch of teams in the AFC add top-notch pass rushers, so it shouldn’t be too difficult for Minnesota to find a trade partner in the near future.