The Minnesota Vikings and Danielle Hunter have agreed to a new one-year deal that can be worth up to $20 million, according to multiple NFL reports.
Hunter is set to receive $17 million guaranteed on his new contract and could potentially earn the remaining $3 million if he was to meet certain sack incentives. As a result of this contract, the Vikings are restricted from using the franchise or transition tag on him next offseason.
Before reaching a contract agreement, the Vikings evaluated the trade market for potential deals involving Hunter. The evaluation of trade options occurred after Hunter skipped organized team activities as he wanted a larger salary than the $4.9 million he was set to earn on his previous contract.
NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Danielle Hunter & Minnesota Vikings Updates
Hunter suffered season-ending injuries in 2020 (neck) and 2021 (torn pectoral), costing him a total of 26 games. He recorded 10.5 sacks last season in 17 games despite transitioning from a 4-3 defensive end to a 3-4 outside linebacker. The three-time Pro Bowler had 46 solo tackles, 22 quarterback hits and 12 tackles for loss and forced one fumble.
The Vikings went 13-4 last season and won the NFC North. However, they lost to the New York Giants in the Wild Card game at home by a final score of 31-24. Minnesota gave up 431 total yards of offense to New York. Hunter finished the Giants game with one sack, two QB hits, three solo tackles and one tackle for loss.
NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Danielle Hunter & Minnesota Vikings Updates
In 102 career games with the Vikings, Hunter has recorded 71.0 sacks and 262 solo tackles. The LSU product will be a free agent again next spring, so don’t be surprised if he has another strong season so he can get paid more money next spring. Odds are Hunter is looking for a long-term contract.
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