When the Minnesota Vikings’ mandatory minicamp starts on Tuesday, Danielle Hunter isn’t expected to be there.
That’s according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, who reports that Hunter intends to skip the minicamp, officially making him a holdout.
Pelissero notes Hunter and the Vikings “haven’t seen eye-to-eye on a new contract,” and it comes amid reports the Vikings have received some serious trade interest in the 28-year-old pash rusher.
Hunter maintained elite performance in 2022 despite the mess that was Ed Donatell’s defense, and he has plenty of admirers in the NFL.
After signing a five-year, $72 million extension in 2018, his contract has twice been restructured.
Purple Insider’s Matthew Coller reports that as he heads into the final year of his deal, Hunter is looking for commitment and more cash than the $5.5 million he’s scheduled to make for 2023 (per OverTheCap).
Related: If Danielle Hunter goes, Vikings are a rebuilding team – and that’s OK
Related: Report: Vikings fielding trade calls from multiple teams for Danielle Hunter
Three-time Pro Bowl DE Danielle Hunter plans to skip the #Vikings’ mandatory minicamp, per sources.
The sides haven’t seen eye-to-eye on a new contract. @RapSheet reported Minnesota has received trade calls, and now one of the NFL’s top pass rushers is officially a holdout. pic.twitter.com/GedTiRbIKt
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 12, 2023
Teams have the option to fine players for unexcused absences from mandatory minicamp. According to Pelissero’s reporting last year, the fine for the first missed day is $15,515, $31030 for the second day and $46,540 for the third day.
The Vikings only have two days of mandatory minicamp on the schedule so if they see fit to fine Hunter for missing he could be looking at a bill of $46,545.
