There are three potential suitors for Minnesota Vikings Star pass-rusher Danielle Hunter. The defensive end is expected to have several interested suitors, which may include a huge payday on his end. The Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars are linked to have strong interest once Hunter hits the market. The Bears are reportedly “high” on Hunter who is looking to complement Montez Sweat on the defensive line.
Hunter put on an illustrious career with the Vikings, racking up 16.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in one single season. He also totaled 22 quarterback hits and 83 combined tackles, and his tackles for losses are tied with Las Vegas pass-rusher, Maxx Crosby. It’s unlikely that the Vikings will be able to retain Hunter after free agency is over. His playmaking abilities are already enticing several front offices to offer him big money.
Hunter acknowledges the idea of letting things play out. He’s expected to pick the best deal for him after surpassing 10 sacks in five of his past seven seasons. Any team that could get their hands on and has available cap space can offer a highly lucrative deal for Hunter. It’ll be a game-changer for a team to receive Hunter who’s expected to sign with a team that offers him the big bucks.
Hunter said it for himself while speaking to Grant Gordon on NFL.com.
“Just letting everything play its course. I did my job. Everything’s in my agent’s hand and my team – and whomever it is that’s out there. I’m gonna make sure I stay in shape and whatever is best available for me, I’ll take that,” said Hunter.
The #Bears and #Jaguars are “teams to watch” for #Vikings Danielle Hunter, who is set to hit free agency this offseason, per @JFowlerESPN pic.twitter.com/mioehVsNJN
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 11, 2024
Three Potential Suitors for Star Pass Rusher Danielle Hunter
Chicago Bears
While Hunter isn’t looking for a hometown discount, the Bears may be the team to provide that big contract. Chicago has one of the most cap spaces in the NFL entering the offseason, so money wouldn’t be an issue. The expectation is that the Bears will go on a shopping spree to bolster their roster. Chicago already added blue-chip edge rusher, Sweat in a trade last season.
It would be like two different bulldozers on each side of the defensive line if Hunter signs with the Bears. Sweat made an immediate impact with Chicago by becoming the first player in NFL history to lead two teams in sacks by the end of the season. The Bears don’t have another caliber pass-rusher other than Sweat, so it could make sense for Chicago to potentially sign Hunter. Don’t be surprised if Hunter becomes the highest-paid player on the Bears next season.
Hunter played phenomenal seasons himself, but entirely with the Vikings. He earned four Pro Bowls and finished fifth in sacks last season. Two monsters on one team could be an intriguing interest for both sides.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have already been tied to Hunter’s name already in the past 12 months. Jacksonville still has to figure out what they want to do with Josh Allen first though. So, things may take its course with the Jaguars, but Hunter would be a possible replacement. Hunter was almost sent to Jacksonville in the middle of the season.
Instead, the Jaguars settled to make a trade with Cleveland Browns guard, Ezra Cleveland. However, Allen doesn’t have a long-term deal with the Jaguars. His future looks uncertain as they could look to franchise tag him in the offseason. It does feel like a cluttering situation for the Jaguars’ defensive line.
The starting depth looks to be in limbo and adding Hunter would provide a band-aid on the fix.
Dallas Cowboys
Playing for America’s team could attract the interest of the Pro Bowl pass-rusher. After adding Mike Zimmer as their next defensive coordinator, Hunter coming to Dallas would make sense. Zimmer was the head coach when Hunter was drafted, so a reunion could be an enticing deal. However, the only issue is the cap space that’s holding Dallas back.
The Cowboys could easily open up space by making moves, but that wouldn’t be the expectation from them.
