During the 2020 season, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported that Minnesota has a decision to either make Danielle Hunter the highest-paid defender in football or trade him.
Vikings GM Rick Spielman was asked about that whether that ultimatum was given to him, to which Spielman replied “no.”
According to The Athletic’s Chad Graff, Danielle Hunter “remains unhappy.” Hunter was surprised to hear about Spielman’s statement. He thought the Vikings knew he was displeased with his situation, per Graff.
“But what has become apparent, through interviews with multiple sources, is that Hunter has grown more discontent,” Graff wrote. “The two-time Pro Bowler is unhappy that the five-year, $72 million contract he signed in 2018 leaves him underpaid compared to the few other defensive ends who can match his production on the field. It has been frustrating to him to watch as other edge rushers made more money with less success.”
Graff reported that if Hunter is not given a new deal, the defensive end could potentially hold out, demand a trade or could even find new representation with the hope that a new agent could help him navigate a path away from the Vikings.
That’s a bad sign for the Vikings. Despite having some cap space to maneuver free agency and the draft, the team will likely have to make more moves to get under the 2021 base salary cap down the road. Hunter needing a big deal would certainly complicate things. Maybe Minnesota can agree to an extension where the team lowers Hunter’s cap hit on this year, but guarantees more money in the future.
