Vikings' Danielle Hunter to skip mandatory minicamp
The Minnesota Vikings have had a very active offseason when it comes to its star players. Unfortunately, it hasn't been the best of scenarios. Most recently, the team released Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook because of his current contract, which was set to pay him $11 million in cash in 2023. Neither side could […]
The Minnesota Vikings have had a very active offseason when it comes to its star players. Unfortunately, it hasn't been the best of scenarios.
Most recently, the team released Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook because of his current contract, which was set to pay him $11 million in cash in 2023. Neither side could come to an agreement that worked out for both parties, so the team released him on Friday.
The Vikings also released Adam Thielen and Eric Kendricks back in March and didn't extend star quarterback Kirk Cousins, who enters the final year of his deal. Za'Darius Smith, a former Pro Bowler with 10.0 sacks last season, pretty much forced his way out of town after the team traded him to the Cleveland Browns a few weeks ago.
Now, star pass rusher Danielle Hunter is skipping mandatory minicamp because he and the front office "haven't seen eye-to-eye" regarding his current contract, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Hunter's decision to skip camp is officially a holdout, as he's subject to fines.
Hunter has a pretty good reason to holdout from Vikings minicamp
And it all comes in the form of dollars and cents. Per Spotrac, Hunter is entering the final year of his deal and is set to make just $5.5 million in cash this year. His cap hit is pretty low at $13.12 million and he led the team with 10.5 sacks last season. He won't turn 30 until October 2024, either.
In other words: Hunter does deserve an extension. Or a raise, at the very least.
Per Over The Cap, the Vikings have more than $17.8 million in cap space, so money isn't an issue, here. It's clearly preference.
And the current front office certainly has a preference when it comes to running the organization. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has completely deconstructed Rick Spielman's team since becoming the GM in 2022 and more moves could be on the way if Hunter and the Vikings can't figure something out.
Featured image via Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
