Report: Teams calling about Vikings LB Danielle Hunter before trade deadline

The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly receiving trade offers for star linebacker Danielle Hunter.

"Teams have been calling the Vikings about potentially trading for Hunter, sources say," wrote NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "With the team leader in sacks likely one of the top players who could be moved at the deadline, picking up the phone and listening makes sense for Minnesota."

The Vikings (2-4) only have a 25 percent chance to make the playoffs, per The New York Times simulator. So, moving Hunter to acquire more draft capital before the trade deadline on Oct. 31 is a wise move.
The 28-year-old would attract several suitors. This season, the three-time Pro Bowler is tied for the league lead in sacks (eight) and sixth in solo tackles (17). He's logged double-digit sacks four times in eight seasons with the Vikings.

Hunter is on a one-year, $17M deal. The Vikings could hold on to him and try renegotiating a new contract this offseason. However, they can't afford to extend stars. Spotrac projects Minnesota will have $10.22M in cap space in 2024. 

ESPN's Bill Barnwell suggests Minnesota should trade Hunter and a 2024 fourth-rounder to the Detroit Lions for a 2024 second-rounder, edge-rusher James Houston and a 2025 third-rounder (conditional.)
"Trading Hunter would save the Vikings $8.3M over the remainder of 2023," Barnwell wrote of the deal. "They would land Houston — who looks like a promising pass-rush prospect with two years of team control remaining through restricted free agency — and a second-round pick in April's draft."

Regardless, Minnesota must consider trade offers for Hunter. While it's difficult to move on from a player of his caliber, the franchise has to save cap space and needs young talent to rebuild.