The Minnesota Vikings have a tough decision to make.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, star pass rusher Danielle Hunter has decided to skip the Vikings’ voluntary offseason program, all but confirming the rumors of some discontent with the organization.
#Vikings DE Danielle Hunter is not expected to attend the start of Minnesota’s voluntary offseason program, per sources.
The absence is likely due to his contract — he’s set to make $4.9M in the last year of his deal, well below market for a three-time Pro Bowler.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 17, 2023
Fowler speculates that Hunter wants a new contract, which isn’t much of a surprise, all things considered.
Still, the fans had plenty to say about this:
Me to the Vikings pic.twitter.com/4hErkkdhWd
— Joe (@Rauzerrr) April 17, 2023
— skol4life (@RealKpalczyk) April 17, 2023
Lovely. Just what they needed right now.
— MN #1 Rube (@jonnyblaze26) April 17, 2023
Time to trade him.
— Jason (@JNorwin9) April 17, 2023
Not good 😭#skol
— Mikey C—-Mikescards21 is myCard Account (@mikedogg56387) April 17, 2023
The star Edge rusher will make just $4.9 million next season, way less than what he should be making, thanks to his production.
Hunter could threaten to hold out for the season if he doesn’t get a new deal, and the Vikings would make a blatant mistake if they decide to hold onto him instead of trading him or paying him, as he could just walk away as a free agent after this campaign.
Elite pass rushers like him are making north of $20 million per season, and that’s a number the Vikings might not be willing to meet as they look to rebuild for the next couple of seasons.
The upcoming NFL Draft is just a handful of days away, and Hunter could be one of the most prominent names on the move at that time.
Just last season, the Los Angeles Chargers traded a second and a sixth-round pick for Khalil Mack, so there’s already a precedent on what it might cost to land a guy like Hunter this season.
So, we’ll have to keep an eye on this story, as it doesn’t seem like both parties will agree on a new deal any time soon.
NEXT:
Vikings Add Depth To Secondary With New CB Signing
