If the Minnesota Vikings decide to extend Kirk Cousins this summer, they may be closing the books on one of their biggest financial targets, Danielle Hunter, a Pro Bowl edge rusher.
The Vikings have placed their contract negotiations with Hunter “on hold” while they determine whether to re-sign Cousins or let the seasoned quarterback to go in free agency, according to an ESPN story from February 10.
that Hunter will probably be available in free agency if the Vikings decide to extend Cousins’ contract. The Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars are both “very high” on Hunter, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
An even worse scenario may occur if Hunter signs a $67 million contract with the NFC North champion Detroit Lions, who would let him harass the Vikings for the next three seasons.
Hunter finished with a career-high 16.5 sacks in 2023, having had 10 or more sacks in five of his eight seasons. He is worth more now than ever before, very literally. Although Minnesota’s financial situation is unfortunate due to their own actions, their competitor in the NFC North, the Detroit Lions, have a significant need for a pass rusher.
The Vikings would be hurt by losing him to anyone, but the sorrow would be exacerbated by seeing him depart for a division enemy.
Although they are nearing the end of their careers, Hunter and Cousins, two of the Vikings’ highest-paid players, still have a few strong years left in them. Both players have compelling arguments to be signed, and the decision of whether to re-sign will dominate conversations for the upcoming month.
It is reasonable to resign both of them until 2024. According to Over the Cap, Hunter has a possible dead cap of $14.9 million if he does not resign, while Cousins has $28.5 million that will go against the 2024 cap sheet if he quits.
