NFC North Foe Shows Strong Interest in Vikings’ Four-Time Pro Bowler…
The Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a holding pattern as they navigate their quarterback situation with Kirk Cousins set to become a free agent. This uncertainty could potentially impact their ability to secure another key player this offseason.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano on February 10, Minnesota’s other important matters, particularly negotiating a new deal for defensive end Danielle Hunter before he enters free agency, are temporarily on hold pending resolution of the Cousins situation. Cousins has indicated that discussions about his contract won’t happen until March, adding an element of risk for the Vikings, especially concerning their top pass rusher, Danielle Hunter.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, in the same article, suggests that the sense in Las Vegas is that it could be challenging for the Vikings to retain Hunter. The 29-year-old, who is coming off a career-high 16.5-sack season and his fourth Pro Bowl appearance, is expected to have a strong market. The Chicago Bears, in particular, are reportedly very interested in Hunter as they seek to bolster their pass-rushing unit alongside Montez Sweat in free agency.
While Hunter has expressed his desire to return on a new deal, he acknowledges the uncertainty of the situation. Hunter stated, “Just letting everything play its course. I did my job. Everything’s in my agent’s hands and my team — and whomever it is that’s out there. My job, like I said, is to do my job. And I’m gonna make sure I stay in shape, and whatever is best available for me, I’ll take that.”
The Bears, having traded for Montez Sweat last season and re-signed him to a lucrative contract extension, are seen as a potential destination for Hunter. However, the Vikings face competition from other teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have limited cap space but are identified as another team to watch for Hunter.
As the Vikings navigate free agency, the looming expiration of Kirk Cousins’ contract on March 13 adds another layer of complexity. ESPN’s Dan Graziano notes that an extension before this date is crucial for managing Cousins’ $28.5 million cap hit next season effectively. Meanwhile, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson has voiced his desire to have Cousins back and even expressed a desire to “break the bank.”
Looking ahead, Graziano links the Vikings to a potential blockbuster trade with the New England Patriots for the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, aiming to secure quarterback Jayden Daniels. Being proactive with Hunter’s situation might have given the Vikings more flexibility in potential trades, possibly yielding better draft picks to address their quarterback needs. While the price for Hunter in a trade is expected to be high, resolving these key issues could alleviate some of the pressure on General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as they approach the offseason.
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