Three possible trade destinations for disgruntled Vikings star
The Minnesota Vikings have an unhappy veteran on the roster. While the team has jettisoned several veterans this offseason, Danielle Hunter has remained. It has been rumored for months that the team could part with Hunter before Week 1, as the veteran is unhappy with his contract. Hunter reported to training camp, but has not […]
The Minnesota Vikings have an unhappy veteran on the roster.
While the team has jettisoned several veterans this offseason, Danielle Hunter has remained. It has been rumored for months that the team could part with Hunter before Week 1, as the veteran is unhappy with his contract. Hunter reported to training camp, but has not been participating in practice.
Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the situation could have a resolution soon.
Last month, we took a look at three possible trade destinations for Hunter. Since that time, we know a little more about how teams' rosters are shaping up.
With a trade or release now seeming inevitable, let's reevaluate the three best destinations for the veteran.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos were not on my original list, but I now believe they’d be a great fit. Denver recently lost defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike for the season due to a gambling policy violation. This has left the Broncos’ defensive line even more shallow.
The team rosters Zach Allen, Matt Henningsen, Jonathan Harris, Elijah Garcia, Haggai Ndubuisi, and Jordan Jackson at the end position. It would certainly be wise to add depth to this group before Week 1.
The Broncos roll with a 3-4 base defense, but that's not as big of a deal as it used to be with nickel and dime packages much more prevalent. Hunter could slide into one of the end positions and provide a proven pass-rushing option off the edge.
Adding a player with 10+ sack potential could take the Denver defense to another level.
Miami Dolphins
Just imagine Bradley Chubb coming off of one edge with Hunter coming off the other. The Dolphins could have a scary pass rush if they added the Vikings’ veteran.
The Dolphins hired Vic Fangio to be their defensive coordinator this offseason, and Hunter had much success in 2022 playing in a Fangio-based system. Ed Donatell was the Vikings' DC in 2022, and the coach previously worked under Fangio at three different stops. With Hunter being familiar with the system, Miami could be a welcomed destination for the veteran.
The team does have Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, but Fangio loves to rotate pass-rushers.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers were on my original list, and they stay on my updated one as well. This fit makes too much sense, especially with Nick Bosa’s absence at camp.
Bosa had a tremendous season in 2022, but no other pass rusher had more than five sacks for the team. The team has Clelin Ferrell, Drake Jackson, and Kerry Hyder, but a proven veteran like Hunter could put the team over the edge.
An elite pass-rushing duo of Bosa and Hunter with Jackson and Ferrell rotating in would be deadly in the playoffs. The Niners also have plenty of cap room to fit Hunter in, assuming he's okay playing on his current deal.
Vikings: Identifying three trade destinations for Danielle Hunter
The Vikings will seemingly soon be parting with another star veteran.
Featured image via © Brad Mills | 2022 Nov 6
