If you were hoping the Danielle Hunter saga would come to an end without anymore fireworks, you might want to find a new blog to read. It’s evident that Hunter will not allow the Minnesota Vikings to ignore his contract renegotiation request any longer.
Hunter ready to walkout on everyone
Chad Graff (The Athletic) became Danielle’s latest voice, in his clear mission to catch the ear of Rick Spielman. This afternoon, Graff posted an article (read in its entirety here) that all but demands a new contract for Hunter, before he walks out on the Vikings. He even threatens to fire his agent if talks don’t start moving in the right direction.
But what has become apparent, through interviews with multiple sources, is that Hunter has grown more discontent. 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. Joey Bosa averages $27 million per year on his contract even though he has never posted 14.5 sacks, which Hunter did in back-to-back years before the injury. Myles Garrett averages $25 million and he, too, has never hit 14.5 sacks. Hunter, meanwhile, averages $14.4 million per year.
Now, Hunter is exploring all of his options. If he’s not given a new contract, he could potentially hold out, he could publicly demand a trade or he could even seek new representation with the hope that a new agent could help him navigate a path out of Minnesota. He hasn’t ruled out any of those three scenarios.
Chad Graff – The Athletic
Attention needed…
Until the Minnesota Vikings address Danielle Hunter’s contract grievances, this issue isn’t going away. How many different ways does he have to voice his displeasure? I’ve written recently about how a contract extension could help both Hunter and the team’s salary cap situation in 2021. I’m quite surprised this is becoming such a talker this offseason.
We’ll keep you posted on what happens next. Side note: Trading Hunter would net about $6 million in cap space (not to mention the multiple 1st round picks) according to Spotrac.com. His deal has three years remaining. None of them have guaranteed money, until $3 million of his 2021 salary guarantees this week.
Trading Danielle Hunter#Vikings Dead Cap
— Spotrac (@spotrac) March 15, 2021
Pre 6/1: $12M ($5.75M saved)
Post 6/1: $6M each of 2021/22
New Team Acquires:
2021: $12.25M
2022: $12M
2023: $12Mhttps://t.co/mZQ33JYPtB
UPDATE: Hunter backpedals on his willingness to fire his agent
After telling The Athletic that he’d fire his agent if that’s what it had to come to, Danielle Hunter took to Twitter to backpedal on that part of Graff’s story. In the tweet below, Hunter is referring to his relationship with his agency, Elite Athlete Management.
#elitefam for life. For the record????.
— D Hunt™ (@DHunt94_TX) March 15, 2021
Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan