FLORENCE, ORLANDO — Danielle Hunter and the Minnesota Vikings were able to come to an agreement on a one-year contract during an uncertain summer in 2023, which resulted in the defensive end having his finest season to date.
But doubt is back on the horizon for the four-time Pro Bowl player: Was this Hunter’s final season in Minnesota, or is he set to get a big contract extension?
Hunter is being patient, but he intends to choose the best alternative that is available to him.
“Letting things unfold naturally. I completed my task. “My agent, my team, and anyone else involved are in charge of everything,” Hunter told NFL.com during Friday’s Pro Bowl Games practice. “As I mentioned before, my duty is to perform. I’ll also make sure to maintain my fitness, so whatever is best for me, I’ll take it.”
CONNECTED LINKS
2024 Pro Bowl Games: The whole NFC roster is made public
Edholm Eric 2024 NFL mock draft 1.0: QB J.J. McCarthy to the Rams; Chargers select TE Brock Bowers at No. 5
Six prospects that stood out in the East-West Shrine Bowl for the 2024 NFL Draft
Although the 29-year-old may not always be considered one of the best edges in the game, his performance in 2023 and nomination to the Pro Bowl four times showed that he is deserving of such recognition.
Hunter recorded career highs of 16.5 sacks, 83 tackles, and 23 tackles for loss in his debut season under defensive coordinator Brian Flores—the latter of which led the league. As more proof that he lived in the opposition’s backfield, Next Gen Stats reports that he had 86 QB pressures, fourth in the NFL.
About his season, Hunter stated, “I’m just doing my job.” “I’m proud of the work I do. It wasn’t just me; the defensive coordinator and my teammates helped me position myself to be the most effective player on the field. As I mentioned, I wish I had more power to force us to the postseason.”
Though technically still in contention for a postseason berth in Week 18, injuries to Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson, and T.J. Hockenson proved to be too costly in the end, Minnesota concluded the season at 7-10.
But throughout the team’s turmoil, Hunter performed admirably.
“We had a lot of ups and downs, but we learned from them,” he stated. “It was football, unfortunate things happen, but we dealt with that as a team together and we finished.”
In the 2015 NFL Draft, Hunter was selected by the Vikings in the third round. He has played for two head coaches on four different playoff teams. He has seen many highs and lows both this season and in the past. Now, though, he’s coming off of what is statistically his best season to date, and going into the offseason, he wants to be at his best.
It remains to be seen if that means more autumns in Minnesota or somewhere else.
“Staying in shape, doing my part, and then when the time comes, my agent or the Vikings, they’ll come to a decision,” Hunter stated. “We’ll see what’s best when the time comes.”
GET MORE NEWS HERE