Report: Broncos Expected to Pursue DE Danielle Hunter in 2024 Free Agency

Four months from now, at the start of 2024 free agency, the Denver Broncos are likely to express interest in the NFL's current co-sack leader, Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Wednesday.

Fowler also named the Jacksonville Jaguars as potential competition for Hunter's services.

"No one has helped their free agency profile more than Hunter, who is tracking for nearly 19 sacks on the season," he wrote. "Hunter will be 29 to start the 2024 season, paving the way for a lucrative three- or four-year deal at well above $20 million per season. Jacksonville has long been a fan of Hunter's game, but Denver also could bolster its pass rush -- the Broncos are typically unafraid to spend in March."

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A 2015 third-round pick who's spent his entire career in the Twin Cities, Hunter has long been among the sport's most dominant (if unheralded) pass-rushers, with 82 sacks, 124 quarterback hits, and 10 forced fumbles across 112 games (83 starts) for the Vikings. He's a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time second-team All-Pro.

This season, in his age-29 campaign, Hunter has already amassed 11 sacks and 14 tackles for loss — both league-best numbers. Pro Football Focus ranks him as the No. 35 EDGE defender out of 105 qualifiers entering Week 11.

As it pertains to Denver, the brain trust might very well choose to upgrade its defensive line during the offseason, and Hunter indeed fits the bill. The connection makes sense on paper as general manager George Paton previously worked in Minnesota's front office.

However, the Broncos are projected to be over the 2024 salary cap, severely limiting their ability to outbid other, more flush suitors. Part of that stems from the $45.75 million deal given this past March to starting DE Zach Allen, who's scheduled to count $19 million against the cap next year.

Interestingly, the Broncos will see Hunter in just a few days when the two clubs meet on Sunday Night Football at Empower Field. Which may or may not be his future home.

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