6 ways the Vikings can avoid disaster in the 2024 offseason

How the Vikings can avoid disaster No. 5

Don’t let Danielle Hunter sign with the Bears

With Jefferson and Cousins being the top priorities once again, it feels like Danielle Hunter has been placed on the backburner by the Vikings. But what if that pot boils over, and Hunter winds up with a divisional rival?

This is a realistic situation after ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler mentioned Hunter’s new contract is “on hold” until the Vikings figure out what to do with their quarterback situation. This seems reasonable as Minnesota needs to know whether to map out $40 million for the quarterback position or if they’ll be able to use that money elsewhere, but it could be the final straw.

Hunter has been seeking a new deal for years since signing a five-year, $72 million extension before the 2018 season and watched as the price of edge rushers skyrocketed into nine figures. While Hunter’s camp can be blamed for signing the deal, Hunter has had to settle for short-term solutions as Minnesota has focused elsewhere.

That’s not an option this time around. With the Vikings putting a no-trade clause in Hunter’s latest deal, he’s set to hit the free-agent market and sign with any team he chooses. With Fowler suggesting the Chicago Bears as a potential suitor, the amount of cash and the opportunity to play the Vikings twice a year could entice him to leave.

Perhaps a big, final last-ditch offer would be the answer to keeping him around. But since the Vikings can’t keep everybody, this might be unavoidable.