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Sports Seriously
The Minnesota Vikings and pass rusher Danielle Hunter can now put contract woes in the past − albeit only briefly.
Hunter, who skipped the entire offseason program as he sought a new deal, agreed to a one-year contract Sunday that can be worth up to $20 million, according to NFL Network. Although Hunter, 28, reported to training camp last week, he wasn’t participating in practices.
“My hope is that we can work toward him being out on the practice field with us sooner rather than later,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell had told reporters Saturday, prior to the deal being signed. “He’s been great.
“I’ve not tried to hide my feelings. Danielle Hunter is a very special player. As soon as we can get him out here, you’ll see him out here and our fans will see him out here.”
According to NFL Network, Hunter’s new contract includes $17 million guaranteed, as well as a provision that prevents the team from using the franchise tag on him. A three-time Pro Bowl player, Hunter had previously been scheduled to earn just $5.5 million in guaranteed salary for the 2023 season.
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While the reworked contract gives Hunter far more financial security ahead of 2023, he will become a free agent at the end of the season. And, because pass rushers are a desired commodity, if Hunter does eventually test the open market, interest from other teams could fetch him a massive offer that may spell an end to his tenure in Minnesota.
Hunter is going into his eighth season in the NFL, all of which have been with the Vikings. He has amassed 71 sacks in that time, with 45.5 of those coming over the last four seasons, even as he missed extended time in 2021.
The Vikings selected Hunter in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft, with the 88th overall pick.
