6 biggest takeaways from the Vikings loss to the Lions in Week 18
By Adam Carlson
Minnesota Vikings takeaway No. 2
Danielle Hunter is going to get paid in free agency.
Danielle Hunter got a sack on Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff in this game, bringing his season total to 16.5 on the season. That mark is good for the fifth most from any defender during the 2023 NFL season.
The Minnesota Vikings will likely try to do what they can to keep him in a purple and gold jersey moving forward, but the dynamic pass rusher is set to become and free agent and is likely to sign with the highest bidder or a contender with a lot of salary cap space.
Although it was nice that the Vikings and Hunter could work something out for the 2023 season, it is time to prepare for a future without him. Since Hunter and Marcus Davenport are both unlikely to return, finding new starters becomes an important offseason task.
The Minnesota Vikings do have some young players with potential who could be given an opportunity in a starting role, expect the team to explore every option to ensure that the defense doesn't fall apart in 2024.