Danielle Hunter is due to become a free agent on March 13, just like Kirk Cousins and many other Minnesota Vikings players from the 2023-24 roster. Also akin to his QB since 2018, there is mutual interest in returning to the Vikings in 2024 and beyond.
But he seems to be facing a similar dilemma too. The Vikings are not expected to come anywhere near the top of the market for his services. That more than likely, Hunter would have to take less than his market value to return to Minnesota.
Danielle Hunter wants $25M/YR, says former Minnesota Vikings GM
If that’s true, a Wednesday report released by former Vikings general manager and long time front office executive, Jeff Diamond (now an analyst for The 33rd Team), means that Hunter has probably worn purple and gold for the last time.
The 29-year-old Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowler is seeking a $25 million plus per year deal coming off 16.5 sacks and a league-high 23 tackles-for-loss. However, Danielle Hunter missed the entire 2020 season because of a neck injury and had a pec tear that cost him the last 10 games in 2021.
Former Vikings GM Jeff Diamond – The 33rd Team
The top EDGE rushers in the NFL (outside of Nick Bosa who makes $35M/YR) are paid $25-$30 million per season so it’s no surprise that Hunter is asking for that much. What is a bit surprising is the point Diamond is making in his piece for The 33rd Team, which is cautioning teams against spending big money on Danielle Hunter, given his past injury history.
Hunter has been healthy for two-straight seasons now so it’s a bit surprising to see a former Vikings GM try to urge teams away from signing him. It’s been awhile but Diamond was with the Minnesota Vikings organization for 22 years, from 1976-1998.
And if he really is asking for $25M per season, I think current GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will 100% heed his predecessor’s advice and steer very clear of paying Danielle Hunter that kind of cash.
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