Franchise cornerstones Danielle Hunter and Harrison Smith might’ve played their final game as Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
Hunter, set to become a free agent in March, finished the 2023-24 season with a career-high 16.5 sacks.
“I went out there, did what I was told to do,” Hunter answered when asked to reflect on his season after Sunday’s season finale in Detroit. “I was excited about how I played this year.”
Hunter can’t be franchise-tagged and he’s going to get paid more per year on his next contract than the $17 million he made this season. That begs the question: Can the Vikings find a way to bring him back if he’s going to be one of the highest-paid edge rushers in the league?
According to OverTheCap, Nick Bosa is the highest-paid edge rusher in the league at an average annual value of $34 million. Behind him are T.J. Watt ($28m), Joey Bosa ($27m), Myles Garrett ($25m), Montez Sweat ($24.5m), Rashan Gary ($24m), Maxx Crosby ($23.5m) and Khalil Mack ($23.5m).
If that’s the neighborhood Hunter is going to be in, the Vikings will have to decide if they want to go there while also trying to give lucrative new contracts to wide receiver Justin Jefferson and left tackle Christian Darrisaw. They also have to juggle the idea of bringing quarterback Kirk Cousins back on a new, expensive contract.
“It’s all I know. I came into this league, I don’t know any better. Purple. Ever since middle school I’ve always been wearing purple. I’m here now. Purple,” Hunter said.
Is that where he hopes to stay? “Yes, sir,” Hunter said.
Harrison Smith hints at retirement
“Whenever I retire, I’m not going to tell you,” Smith said after wrapping up his 12th season in the NFL, all with the Vikings. “You’ll figure it out. I’ll say this: It’s hard to have the ability to play and not have a desire to play. Whatever that gives you, I’m not trying to be ominous or anything. Right now, my shoulder hurts.”
Smith turns 35 on Feb. 2 and his contract carries cap hits of about $19.2 million in 2024 and 2025. Minnesota can save at least $11.3 million if they cut Smith before June 1, according to OverTheCap. That makes him a potential cap casualty if he doesn’t go out on his own terms, a la retirement.
“I’ve been at peace for a while,” Smith said when asked about the idea retiring. “When I was a kid, I never thought I’d play in the NFL. To have a career I’ve had to this point, it’s pretty cool. Got to play with a lot of great people, a lot of great players and coaches. Lot of struggle, a lot of ups and downs. It’s kind of what makes it so fun, too. Sorry, I don’t have any more info.”
