The Vikings made a splash when they agreed to a three-year, $42M deal with Za’Darius Smith today, and one of Smith’s fellow pass rushers indirectly made it happen. Per ESPN’s Field Yates, the Vikings converted Danielle Hunter‘s $18M roster bonus into a signing bonus, creating the $13.5M in cap space that was used to add Smith.
Specifically, the move lowered Hunter’s 2022 cap number from $25.83M to $12.33M, per Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
The Vikings picked up Hunter’s $18M roster bonus this past weekend, a move that was unexpected a few months ago. There were rumors that the Vikings weren’t eager to pick up the option and were trying to trade Hunter. Minnesota has changed regimes and defensive schemes since committing to the veteran, and Hunter’s $25.8M cap number was a clear target to create additional funds. Cutting or trading Hunter would have saved the Vikes $14M-plus in cap space.
Hunter’s second straight injury-marred season has reduced his outlook. That said, Hunter was the youngest player in NFL history to reach the 50-sack plateau. The two-time Pro Bowler is still just 27.
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