The biggest question surrounding the Minnesota Vikings after a disappointing 2023 season is whether they will end up keeping veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Cousins suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 8, and he is about to become a free agent who will be pursued by multiple other teams.
But one thing that will complicate Minnesota’s efforts to retain him is the impending free agency of star outside linebacker Danielle Hunter.
Per The 33rd Team via The Purple Persuasion on Twitter, he is seeking a big contract this offseason worth at least $25 million annually.
According to ex-Vikings GM Jeff Diamond via @The33rdTeamFB, OLB/DE Danielle Hunter is “seeking a $25M plus per year deal coming off 16.5 sacks and a league-high 23 tackles-for-loss.” 👀
(H/T): @realmnsportsfan
📸: Brace Hemmelgarn pic.twitter.com/YghEw3ORy7— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) February 22, 2024
Hunter did have an excellent 2023 campaign in which he established career-highs in sacks, total tackles, and tackles for loss, and at age 29, he should have at least a few good years left in him.
But the NFL’s salary cap is hard to deal with, and thus the Vikings may need to let him go if they want to keep Cousins.
They made the playoffs just a year ago by finishing 13-4, which earned them first place in the NFC North, and they still seem to have definite playoff potential when healthy.
Justin Jefferson is one of the league’s very best wide receivers, and rookie wideout Jordan Addison proved to be a very strong complement to Jefferson by recording 70 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns.
In addition, tight end T.J. Hockenson, who was acquired midway through last season, contributed 960 yards and five touchdowns.
But Minnesota will need to shore up their defense in order to get back to the postseason, whether Hunter stays or goes after the new league year begins in a few weeks.
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