Jaguars Want Danielle Hunter but May Lack Draft Capital Needed to Entice Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings are not yet ready to throw in the towel on their 2023-24 season, quite yet. After only six games, that’s understandable. But their mindset could change in coming weeks, especially if this weekend’s trip to Soldier Field doesn’t go as planned.

And should they move into sell mode, the list of likely trade candidates starts with EDGE rusher, Danielle Hunter, who’s on the final year of a contract that feels like it’s been reworked about 17 times in the past three years. It’s HIGHLY unlikely Hunter sticks around next season and teams across the NFL are always in the market for a top-tier pass rusher, like Hunter.

Jacksonville Jaguars want Danielle Hunter

The Jacksonville Jaguars, for example, already have reported interest in Danielle, according to Darren Wolfson (SKOR North, KSTP).

“I know this, Jacksonville has all sorts of interest in Danielle Hunter. What are they willing to offer? Can you complete that trade?”

Darren Wolfson – MN Sports w/ Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

The Jags, who are 3-2 through 5 weeks, are 25th in the NFL in sacks and desperately need high-level pass rushers to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Obstacles in the way for Vikings/Jags Trade

But there’s a major problem with Jacksonville as Hunter’s landing spot. Their 2nd and 3rd round picks for 2024 are both tied up in a trade they recently made with the Atlanta Falcons, for (WR) Calvin Ridley.

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They haven’t sent those picks to Atlanta yet but will if Jacksonville signs Calvin Ridley to an extension their 2024 2nd round pick goes to the Falcons. The 3rd round pick goes too, if he reaches certain benchmarks this season.

But no matter what the parameters are, it doesn’t matter for Vikings fans. What matters is that those draft picks are off the negotiating table, in any trade talks between the Jags and Vikings.

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So, would Minnesota Vikings GM, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, be able to pry a 1st rounder away from the Jacksonville front office? Seems unlikely… but I wouldn’t expect him to settle for 2025 picks either.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan