Vikings “Looking at Options” When it Comes to Trading Danielle Hunter, Insider Says

Danielle Hunter
Nov 4, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) celebrates after a sack during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Star pass rusher Danielle Hunter hasn’t practiced at training camp yet, and the Minnesota Vikings are considering moving the three-time Pro Bowler.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported via “sources from multiple teams” that “the Vikings have evaluated trade options” for Hunter. The veteran remained the subject trade rumors throughout the offseason amid a contract dispute.

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Washington Commanders
Nov 6, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Danielle Hunter (99) and Vikings linebacker D.J. Wonnum (98) celebrate after a sack against the Washington Commanders during the third quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

“Hunter does not want to play on his $4.9 million base salary for this season, so the Vikings have tried to find creative solutions should they fail to reach a new deal with him,” Fowler wrote. “Hunter, 28, skipped organized team activities and mandatory minicamp and is not practicing during training camp after missing the offseason program.”

“Minnesota’s approach isn’t necessarily new, with the understanding that Hunter likely wants a trade or release, absent a new deal. The Vikings have attempted to extend Hunter, but not on a long-term deal the player feels is commensurate with his skill set, sources said,” Fowler continued.

Hunter certainly has a market since his 2022 resurgence. He tallied 10.5 sacks, 22 quarterback hits, and 65 tackles in 17 starts last season.

Questions Answered: Danielle Hunter Sights on NFL Record, Zimmer's Son, Rashod Hill Replacement
Jul 28, 2022; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Danielle Hunter. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.

The Jacksonville Jaguars emerged as a speculated landing spot for Hunter since he followed the team on Instagram. Hunter, who only follows the Vikings otherwise, could boost the ambitious AFC team.

Jacksonville challenged the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Playoffs last season. The Jaguars have draft capital — up to 11 draft picks in 2024, per The Jaguars Wire — which could entice the Vikings in a trade scenario.

Vikings Have Talent at Outside Linebacker Without Danielle Hunter

Minnesota could build for the future, but this year’s Vikings would face a huge void in the defensive front if Hunter departs. The Vikings will need strong seasons from outside linebackers D.J. Wonnum and Patrick Jones II, who sit behind Hunter on the depth chart.

Wonnum produced in his first three seasons with the Vikings in 47 games played. Wonnum averaged 5 sacks, 24 tackles, 11.3 quarterback hits, and 1.7 pass deflections per season in that span.

Jones likewise showed the ability to step up when called upon. In his second season, he tallied 4 sacks, 27 tackles, and 5 quarterback hits in 17 games played in 2022.

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Jan 8, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Nathan Peterman (14) passes the ball under pressure from Minnesota Vikings linebacker D.J. Wonnum (98) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings free agent acquisition Marcus Davenport could also help alleviate the loss of Hunter if a trade occurs. However, Davenport had a down year of 29 tackles and 0.5 sacks with the New Orleans Saints in 2022 despite 15 games played. Keep in mind that Davenport is already being tasked with replacing Za’Darius Smith.

If the Vikings get a renewed Davenport in 2023, it could look more like the 9-sack force the Saints had in 2021. He previously tallied 4.5 sacks or more in three of his first four seasons.

Danielle Hunter Remains a Viking for Now

For now, Hunter remains a Viking. Publicly, head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah stand by it.

“It’s great to see a great player like that,” Adofo-Mensah told the media on Tuesday, July 26. “Great Viking – really excited. So I just want to make sure I say that, and that’s where I’m at right now.”

Hunter qualifies as a “hold-in” instead of a “hold-out” because he is at training camp. O’Connell stressed that things are “day-to-day” with Hunter.

Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.

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