The defense played a large part in the Minnesota Vikings‘ success in 2023, and OLB Danielle Hunter was arguably the most important piece on the defense last season. Hunter led the league, and set a new team record, in tackles for loss and set a new career high in sacks with 16.5. Hunter is a free agent and certainly earned a new contract, but who will be the team to pay up?
According to Cody Benjamin at CBS Sports, Hunter should have a healthy market in free agency, with Benjamin predicting the Bears, Buccaneers, Lions, Rams, and Texans all having interest in the star EDGE rusher. Ultimately, Benjamin has the Bears winning the sweepstakes and giving Hunter a 3-year, $67.5 million deal. Here’s what Benjamin had to say about his prediction:
So here’s our prediction: Hunter signs a three-year, $67.5 million deal with the Chicago Bears. Windy City gets a physical sidekick for Sweat along a bolstered defensive front, while also restocking the offense through both the draft and free agency. And Hunter gets one of the best paydays of his career with a chance to stay in the Midwest and face his old squad.
Losing Hunter would be a tough pill for the Vikings to swallow. Hunter has been an integral part of the Vikings defense for years, and has been incredibly productive during his time in Minnesota. Losing Hunter to a division rival would make that loss even tougher.
