The Vikings never received a first-round offer for star pass rusher Danielle Hunter before Tuesday’s trade deadline, according to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson.
Discussing how close the Vikings came to accepting an offer for the league leader in sacks, Doogie told Skor North’s Mackey & Judd show: “My understanding was they were never offered a first-round pick. I think that’s where it would have been interesting. If a team made that offer, much like the Dolphins did with Bradly Chubb a year ago … they were never presented that opportunity. Were there inquiries? One hundred percent.”
Hunter has had a phenomenal first year under new defensive coordinator Brian Flores, leading the league in sacks (10) and tackles for loss (12).
Going further on Hunter’s situation, Wolfson said that Hunter “really likes it here” when discussing if the Vikings could extend the 29-year-old pass rusher.
“He loves it here whether Brian Flores is back next year or not,” Wolfson continued. “Danielle loves everything about being a Viking, even if there’s been some tension in years past. He really, really enjoys being a Vikings right now. “
Hunter’s future with the organization wasn’t the only big question looming over the franchise as the deadline ticked closer. With Kirk Cousins’ season-ending injury the Vikings were in need of a quarterback to guide them through the rest of the season.
“It’s not like it was Josh Dobbs or bust,” Doogie said when discussing who the Vikings were targeting at the deadline. “I mean John Wolford, my understanding is he was the guy they really wanted but then Tampa made the elevation. Moved him up from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.”
Wolford was on Tampa’s practice squad but was elevated to the 53-man roster after the 28-year-old QB was reportedly receiving interest from the Vikings and Rams. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell previously worked with Wolford when both were in the Rams organization during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
“They kicked the tires on some other guys,” continued Doogie. “Jacoby Brissett with Washington, on an expiring contract. I know Jameis Winston’s name came up internally, I don’t know how far it got.”
Minnesota eventually traded a sixth-round pick to the Cardinals for Dobbs and a Cardinals seventh-round pick.
Sign up: Subscribe to our MINNESOTA VIKINGS newsletters
