The Minnesota Vikings defense kept the team afloat for much of the 2023 season after the injury to starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, and it was due in large part to the performance of OLB Danielle Hunter. Hunter had a career year for the Vikings, setting the team record in tackles for loss while setting career highs in tackles and sacks on his way to his fourth Pro Bowl selection.
Now, Hunter is set to hit the free agent market and his stellar season may have priced him out of the Vikings plans entirely. But if he’s not going to be back in Minneapolis next season, where could he land? Matt Bowen of ESPN believes that Los Angeles could be the perfect spot for Hunter with the Rams. Here’s what he had to say on the fit:
The Rams have money to spend in free agency, and filling the edge rushing need should be a priority. Hunter’s 16.5 sacks with the Vikings in 2023 were the fifth most in the league, and he also forced four fumbles. Adding Hunter would give the Rams a productive veteran force opposite Byron Young — who had eight sacks as a rookie — with Aaron Donald on the interior. That’s how you upgrade a pass rush.
Losing Hunter would be a massive blow to a much-improved Vikings defense. Minnesota has a number of defenders set to hit the market, and they’re likely going to bring at least one of them back. The price tag on Hunter may be too steep for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, but the production Hunter has been able to put up both last year and throughout his career certainly warrants a lucrative deal.
