The Broncos will be trying to block Danielle Hunter on Sunday night but once the 2023-24 season ends it sounds like they’ll be among the teams trying to sign him as a free agent.
Hunter, 29, is due to become a free agent in March. He leads the NFL with 11 sacks and he’s going to command a huge contract from whatever team he winds up with in 2024 and beyond. Among the teams expected to show up in the bidding war are Jacksonville and Denver, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
“No one has helped their free agency profile more than Hunter, who is tracking for nearly 19 sacks on the season,” Fowler wrote Wednesday at ESPN.com. “Hunter will be 29 to start the 2024 season, paving the way for a lucrative three- or four-year deal at well above $20 million per season. Jacksonville has long been a fan of Hunter’s game, but Denver also could bolster its pass rush — the Broncos are typically unafraid to spend in March.”
Hunter not only is tied for the NFL lead in sacks, but he also has three forced fumbles and according to Pro Football Focus his 26 QB hurries is tied with Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt for 17th most in the NFL. The league leader is Maxx Crosby of the Raiders with 44.
It’s not out of the question that Hunter could return to the Vikings, though it’s unclear where he sits on the list of importance when Minnesota still has to sign wide receiver Justin Jefferson and left tackle Christian Darrisaw to long-term extensions. And they might have to fork over big money to Kirk Cousins or Josh Dobbs to play quarterback in 2024 as both are set to become free agents.
