Seattle Seahawks ought to pursue Minnesota Vikings DE Danielle Hunter
With word that Danielle Hunter may be on the trade block, the Seattle Seahawks must make some calls about the Vikings’ pass rusher.
The contract standoff between the Minnesota Vikings and Danielle Hunter could be an opportunity for the Seattle Seahawks.
As Hunter continues to hold out on mandatory offseason workouts, it appears that the only resolution between the franchise and the 28-year-old edge rusher is a trade. And the Seahawks could be a team primed to scoop up Hunter — fast.
The Seahawks went into the offseason needing to improve the defensive line. Through the draft and the addition of veterans, Seattle — somewhat — did so. But there can never be enough improvement to the defensive line on any given NFL team.
Clint Hurtt, Seattle's defensive coordinator, will run a 3-4 defensive scheme. And it just so happens that Hunter played in a similar system in Minnesota.
Additionally, Hunter is coming off a near-career year. He totaled 65 tackles, 12 for a loss, 10 sacks, and 22 quarterback hits in the 2022 season. Prior to his secondary breakout, Hunter had suffered through back-to-back injury-riddled seasons.
Bleacher Report has teams sending a second-round pick with a fourth or fifth-rounder to Minnestoa for Hunter's services. That is a package the Seahawks can realistically put together.
With Hunter set to make over $4 million in 2023, he fits in with Seattle cap-wise, seeing as they have over $7 million space, according to OverTheCap's projections.
Hunter fits Seattle's timeline.
He is still in the prime of his career. He is coming off a career year. And his veteran presence among a defensive line that is chalked full of young talent, he can be a stabilizing force.
There is also the enticing element of Hunter having proved he could succeed when converting from a traditional defensive end into a hybrid outside linebacker and edge rusher.
It isn't a move the Seahawks should make. It is one the franchise must.
Feature image via Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports.
