4 players who could hold the Vikings ransom in 2023
By Dean Jones
Danielle Hunter – DE
It was surprising to see Danielle Hunter once again threaten to disrupt the Vikings’ offseason over financial matters when he went through yet more injury complications in 2021. The stud defensive end featured just seven times and even though he looked the part, it’s becoming a concerning trend and something that threatens to hold the team back.
Hunter is a phenomenal force when fresh and firing. His physicality and explosiveness are absolutely off the charts and if the former LSU star can remain healthy, a dominant edge-rushing tandem with free-agent signing Za’Darius Smith could be in the offing.
Should Hunter come through with the goods and return to the form of old, then more contract complications might emerge next spring. The Vikings restructured his deal earlier in the offseason, which put two voided years on the deal that will count more than $16 million against their cap in 2024 and 2025 combined even if he isn’t around.
Given what the premier defensive ends are currently getting paid, Minnesota might be getting a bargain with Hunter if he hits double-digit sacks and continues to become a force against the run.
This is something Hunter will also be aware of. So it could be another powder keg waiting to go off in 2023.