The Cleveland Browns already appear to have a dominant defense led by Myles Garrett, but aside from Garrett, the Browns are fairly thin on pass rushers. Could Minnesota Vikings edge rusher Danielle Hunter be on their radar?
The Vikings are 0-3 and have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NFL this season, as they won 13 games a year ago. Given the club’s lack of success thus far, many are speculating that Minnesota could become a seller between now and the Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline.
Hunter could be a piece the Vikings look to move in that scenario.
Minnesota was unable to reach a long-term deal with Hunter in the offseason, meaning that the star will be a free agent come springtime. The 28-year-old will surely command a massive contract, and whether or not the Vikings—who may be headed for a complete rebuild—will pay him what he wants is questionable.
For that reason, Hunter seems like a prime trade candidate, and the Browns are certainly a team to keep an eye on if he becomes available.
Cleveland could offer Minnesota a 2024 second-round draft pick and a fourth-rounder in exchange for Hunter, providing the Vikings with some nice draft capital to help facilitate a rebuild.
Meanwhile, the Browns would add a dominant defender to play alongside of Garrett, giving Cleveland one of the most lethal pass-rushing duos in the league.
Through three games this season, Danielle Hunter has already logged 19 tackles and five sacks. Additionally, he leads the NFL with seven tackles for loss.
The LSU product, who was originally selected by the Vikings in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, has made three trips to the Pro Bowl and has reached double-digit sack totals four times in his career. Last season, Hunter racked up 65 tackles, 10.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
