Photo: STEPHEN MATUREN
The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a new one-year deal with Pro Bowl pass rusher Danielle Hunter "worth up to $20 million," which includes "$17 million fully guaranteed, plus a no franchise or transition tag provision," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Sunday (July 30) morning.
"It was a long road for Danielle Hunter and the #Vikings, with all parties working months for a resolution. There were calls from teams interested in trading for Hunter. But the top option for coach Kevin O'Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was keeping him. They get it done," Rapoport tweeted.
The move comes hours after reports that the Vikings were willing to trade Hunter amid his displeasure following previous failed negotiations.
Hunter, 28, reported to the team's training camp session in Eagan, Minnesota, last Tuesday (July 25) amid uncertainty regarding his future with the franchise, ESPN's Kevin Seifer reported at the time. The former All-Pro was reportedly not a full participant as he'd already skipped the Vikings' offseason practices, including mandatory minicamp, but decided not to old holdout amid an ongoing contract dispute.
Hunter was in the final year of his contract and set to make $5.5 million in 2023, which is significantly below market value for NFL pass rushers.
"It's great to see a great player like that," said general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah via ESPN. "Great Viking -- really excited. So I just want to make sure I say that, and that's where I'm at right now."
Hunter and the Vikings agreed to a renegotiation last offseason, which moved part of his future compensation up to 2022 and resulted in a base salary of $4.9 million in 2023, which includes up to $500,000 in potential weekly roster bonuses. The 28-year-old will be subjected to a $16,459 fine for missing his first day of mandatory minicamp and a $32,920 fine for his second absence.
Hunter was selected to his third Pro Bowl in 2023, recording double-digit sack totals for the fourth time, as well as 65 total tackles and 12 tackles for loss. The former LSU standout has spent his entire career with the Vikings since being selected at No. 88 overall in the third-round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
The Vikings lost several veteran starters this offseason, having released running back Dalvin Cook, wide receiver Adam Thielen and linebacker Eric Kendricks, as well as granting linebacker Za'Darius Smith's trade request one year after signing him as a free agent.
Colin Cowherd Predicts the Winners and Losers of Every NFL Division
Dallas Cowboys' 5-Foot-5 Running Back Goes Viral
Colin Cowherd on Sean Payton's Anti-Nathaniel Hackett Rant: 'I Love It'
Jason Whitlock Doesn't Believe LeBron and Bronny James Took COVID Vaccine
Rob Parker: All NFL Running Backs Should Sit Out Week 1 Demanding Pay Raise
Rob Parker Rips Saquon Barkley for Bowing Down to New York Giants
Doug Gottlieb: 'Shut the F*ck Up' About the Rise of Soccer's Popularity in the United States
Rob Parker: Soccer Will Soon Surpass NFL in Popularity in the United States
Sports Doctor Breaks Down Condition of Bronny James After Cardiac Arrest
Ex-NBA Player Compares Victor Wembanyama to Shawn Bradley: 'Not Buying the Hype'