Danielle Hunter reported to Vikings training camp Tuesday but it doesn’t sound like he’ll be practicing, and the cryptic words from general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah raise questions about his long term future in Minnesota.
Addressing the media to open training camp, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said Hunter is with the team despite a contract situation that appears likely to keep him off the field when the team begins practicing in full this week.
“I would defer to Kwesi. With him…more than likely not being a full participant in practice off the bat,” O’Connell said. “That will be something that will be an ongoing thing.”
Hunter skipped OTAs and minicamp as he looks for a new deal with the Vikings. The 28-year-old edge rusher could have held out of camp, though doing so would’ve incurred a $50,000 fine for every day he held out.
“There’s a lot of things we’re trying to work through with Danielle,” said Adofo-Mensah. “We haven’t seen him since last season, so that amongst many other issues that we’re trying to work through with his representatives, those conversations are ongoing”
Asked specificially if he thinks Hunter will play for the Vikings this season, Adofo-Mensah answered: “I’m really excited to see him. It’s great to see a great player like that. Great Viking. Really excited, so I just want to make sure I say that. That’s where I’m at right now.”
A “hold in” is when a player reports to camp but does not practice. It’s essentially a workaround to avoid being fined for failing to report to the team.
Hunter is with the team, but his situation appears far from over.
