December 23, 2019; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) looks on before a game against the Green Bay Packers at US Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Vikings Edge Rusher Danielle Hunter is not happy. After missing out on the 2020 season, the all-pro-defensive end is unsatisfied with its situation in Minnesota and could apparently be ready to make a trade.
According to Chad Graff of The Athletic, The 26-year-old Edge Rusher is not satisfied with his contract and is examining his options. If the Vikings aren’t ready to make him one of the highest-paid pass rushers in the NFL, Hunter is reportedly ready to hold out and ready to call for a deal.
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Given that it is the same organization that dealt with Stefon Diggs last spring, a deal is out of the question. Minnesota may hesitate to offer Hunter a huge deal just three years after he signed a five-year deal worth $ 72 million. While the organization recognizes that his game deserved a higher salary, skipping the entire 2020 season due to a herniated disc is cause for concern.
With Danielle Hunter seemingly ready to hold out, let’s explore some fascinating trading destinations. Unsurprisingly, given the need for pass rushers across the NFL, there won’t be a shortage of goals Hunter will be happy to acquire and then sign him to get the deal he wants.
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New York Jets act for Danielle Hunter
Before the NFL Free Agency opened, the New York Jets were among the leaders in Cap room. With more than $ 60 million, General Manager Joe Douglas planned to get wild. The Jets have needs on both sides of the ball, there are no playmakers on the offensive and disruptors on the defensive side. But Matthew Judon, Shaq Barrett and Romeo Okwara got off the board almost instantly. Now Douglas may need to get creative to provide a great pass rusher for Robert Saleh.
This is where Danielle Hunter comes in. He’s an absolute fringe force when he’s healthy. From 2018 to 1919 he scored 41 quarterback hits, 36 tackles against loss and 29 sacks in 32 games. The last time he played, Hunter rated as Pro Football Focus’ No. 8 edge breakers better than Myles Garrett, Nick Bosa, and Cameron Jordan in the NFL.
Even with the neck injury, Hunter would have been the most desirable player if he had been in the open market. 6-foot-5-edge rushers with this kind of sportiness and production are seldom available, whether through retailers or free agencies. Since the Jets have a ton of draft picks, they could be a great trading partner for Minnesota, and Douglas should be ready to cash out the over $ 23 million Hunter wants annually.
Indianapolis Colts support the Pass Rush with another blockbuster trade
October 22, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; The defensive end of the Minnesota Vikings Danielle Hunter (99) celebrates in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at US Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
We know the Colts aren’t afraid to swing blockbuster trades. Just a year ago, General Manager Chris Ballard stunned the football world by trading # 13 overall against the San Francisco 49ers against DeForest Buckner. Minutes after the deal, Buckner signed a multi-year renewal worth $ 21 million per season.
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It just so happens that the Colts are in the market for an edge rusher. Conveniently, Indianapolis also has more than $ 40 million in cap space after the acquisition Carson Wentz. It would be ridiculous to put Hunter and Buckner, two all-pro defenders, on the same front. If Wentz returns to the form we saw in 2019 and Jonathan Taylor becomes a star, this well-rounded team will become a Super Bowl contender with Danielle Hunter.
Danielle Hunter traded with Cleveland Browns
November 3, 2019; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chief’s receiver Tyreek Hill (10) is attacked in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium by Danielle Hunter (99), the defensive end of the Minnesota Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns already have one of the NFL’s best pass rushers, but he needs help. In the playoffs, we saw that Cleveland’s defense was struggling to get to the opposing quarterback when the teams were able to throw two or three blockers in Garrett’s direction. That has to be addressed this off-season and what better way to do it than landing another defense force.
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Imagine Garrett and Hunter on opposite sides. The opponents suddenly have to consider two players who teamed up for a total of 93 rushes in 2019. Keep in mind that this number doesn’t even explain the fact that Garrett only played in 10 games. NFL teams aren’t always satisfied with swapping a selection in the first round and signing that player on a huge contract that is theoretically twice as expensive.
But the Browns want to win a Super Bowl and strengthening their defenses is the last step before making that jump. If Danielle Hunter is available and the number 26 helps him land it, Cleveland must take this opportunity.
Baltimore Ravens bolster defense, act Orlando Brown Jr.
October 24, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings’ defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) looks on before the game against the Washington Redskins at US Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens need help on the sidelines before the 2021 season kicks off. Put simply, Defense Coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale just doesn’t sleep properly at night when his lightning-heavy defense doesn’t have players terrorizing opposing quarterbacks. Judon is gone and Yannick Ngakoue could also be on his way out, leaving two huge holes on the edge.
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It is important to keep in mind that Hunter has a 4-3 defensive ending. It’s the position he’s most comfortable to play in and he’s great in. Making that 6-foot-5, 252-pound edge rusher transition into a stand-up linebacker outside of the linebacker is a risk. With that recognition, he was also able to thrive with Martindale’s creative mix of formations and staff, allowing Hunter to compete in a one-on-one match against a single blocker.
There is another interesting aspect to this trading scenario. Baltimore’s right tackle Orlando Brown Jr. want outlooking for an opportunity to play left attack. After this Publication by Riley ReiffThis position is an area of need for the Vikings. If the Ravens feel that Danielle Hunter fits into their defense and they are happy to sign him, these two teams could make perfect trading partners.
