Report Suggests Vikings Star Is not on the Trade Block
At 2-4, many have pegged the Vikings as potential “sellers” when the NFL trade deadline rolls around.
It is just 10 days away, and with a Monday night matchup with the San Francisco 49ers looming, it doesn’t seem like things will improve for the Vikings before that deadline gets here.
One of the names that constantly pops up in these trade rumors is OLB Danielle Hunter. The pass-rusher is tied for the league-lead in sacks (8.0) and stands by himself at the top of the league in tackles for loss with 11. However, a recent report has suggested that the Vikings star may not be moved at the deadline.
Report Suggests Vikings Star Is not on the Trade Block
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowled noted this week about a potential Hunter trade, “Here’s my understanding on Minnesota and Hunter: The Vikings gauged trade interest in the offseason when they didn’t have a new deal, as a contingency if they couldn’t re-sign him. Lately, they have not been exploring a trade for Hunter, despite some external interest. And there’s a sentiment in the building that Hunter, who leads the league in sacks, is valuable for a team that isn’t out of it yet.”
Trade rumors have been circulating around Hunter throughout the calendar year. He conducted a hold-in to begin the training camp period, hoping for a new contract.
However, any possible trade rumors at that time were quelled when Minnesota signed the pass-rusher to a new one-year contract worth $17 million, tying him for the 13th-highest contract at EDGE this season.
The Vikings were proven correct to keep him around with his great success as a pass-rusher this year. He has helped carry Minnesota to a top-10 defense in total sacks this season, and he recorded 2 of them in the Vikings most recent victory over the Chicago Bears.
It is also worth noting that even at 2-4, the Vikings aren’t completely out of the playoff race yet. Following their Week 7 game against the 49ers, Minnesota’s schedule gets much easier prior to their bye. They won’t play a single team that currently holds a winning record until they take on the Detroit Lions in Week 16.
Of course, things could change before the deadline. There are two weeks of NFL games before the deadline gets here. If the Vikings lose this weekend and follow that will a loss at Lambeau to the Packers (where they fell 41-17 last season), their tune on trading some of their veterans could change.
Additionally, no one should root for injuries, but they are inevitable in the NFL. If another star on a potential playoff contender were to get hurt between now and then, they could raise their offer for Hunter.
For now, though, it seems that the Vikings are content to hold onto their star pass-rusher. Hopefully, with a few wins in the next couple weeks, Hunter can help the Vikings get back into the NFC playoff race.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.