After agreeing on a contract extension on Sunday morning, Danielle Hunter will remain a member of the Minnesota Vikings, but after an offseason of skipped workouts and contract drama, NFL insider Ian Rapoport believes that the Vikings were close to trading Hunter prior to Sunday’s agreement.
Rapoport said during a Sunday appearance on NFL Network that several teams were interested in trading for Hunter as the star edge rusher was looking for a raise on his $4.9 million base salary for the upcoming season.
While the Vikings agreed on a one-year, $20 million contract that includes a $17 million base salary for next season, Rapoport believed on multiple occasions that Hunter would be traded, making Sunday’s agreement a bit of a surprise.
From Back Together Weekend: The #Viking got a big boost, agreeing to terms on a new deal with star Danielle Hunter and getting their Pro Bowler back in the fold. pic.twitter.com/i9xUQzDzUW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2023
“This is a situation that could have gone either way,” Rapoport said. “I know he was not happy. There were definitely times over the course of the last couple of months where I personally thought Hunter would be traded, but he’s not going anywhere and stays with the Vikings. [It’s] a big win for the organization.”
Hunter’s new contract is a win on both sides as the organization gets to keep one of their top edge rushers and Hunter has the opportunity to cash in next offseason as the deal reportedly contains no-trade and no franchise tag clauses.
Hunter recorded 10.5 sacks last season coming off back-to-back seasons that were derailed by injuries but the Vikings defense struggled, ranking 30th in points allowed and 31st allowed under Ed Donatell last year.
With new defensive coordinator Brian Flores preaching more versatility this offseason, Hunter could be on the verge of a big season and an even bigger payday next spring.
