The Minnesota Vikings underwent a lot of changes on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson signed with the Cleveland Browns in free agency and pass rusher Za’Darius Smith was traded to Cleveland as well. Linebacker Eric Kendricks departed in free agency, signing with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Chandon Sullivan also left in free agency, both joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. That left new defensive coordinator Brian Flores with a lot of new faces to work with defensively.
One of the best holdovers that he has gotten to work with is pass rusher Danielle Hunter. However, it is fair to question just how long Hunter will be remaining with the Vikings. The two sides didn’t see eye-to-eye this offseason as Hunter sought a contract extension.
While no extension was signed, a one-year amended deal was worked out. Set to hit the open market in 2024, Minnesota could start trading more veteran pieces if they have more disappointing outcomes like they did in Week 1.
That is partly why Hunter ended up on the NFL trade block big board put together by Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report. A trade centered around Hunter would make a lot of sense as it would also clear $11.5 million for the Vikings.
One team that Knox suggested as a potential trade partner is the Las Vegas Raiders. Las Vegas surprised a lot of people by getting off to a 1-0 start, as they are the only team in the AFC West with a win heading into Week 2.
What could a trade between the Vikings and Raiders look like? Las Vegas could send a 2024 third and fifth-round pick to Minnesota in exchange for Hunter and a 2024 sixth-round selection.
Despite using the No. 7 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on pass rusher Tyree Wilson, the Raiders could certainly use some more juice in that department. Especially with Chandler Jones away from the team after some bizarre social media posts calling out the team.
The Vikings would continue their housecleaning defensively, picking up some solid assets in exchange. A Day 2 pick and moving up on Day 3 is a nice return for a player who is playing out the final year of his contract and looking to test the open market.
