Fowler: Danielle Hunter Has Real Trade Value, Vikings 'Would Prefer to Retain' Him
Danielle Hunter won't be at the Vikings' mandatory minicamp this week, but that doesn't mean a trade is suddenly the inevitable outcome.
Hunter holding out and accepting two days of fines shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, given his obvious frustration with his contract. Something has to give, whether it's an extension from the Vikings or a trade to a team willing to pay him what he desires. Both sides will want to find a resolution before training camp begins later this summer, but there's no real rush right now. The Vikings can be patient.
Here are two interesting notes from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, based on his conversations with a few teams:
— Danielle Hunter would have real trade value (might take a 2+ to pry)
— Sense is Vikings would prefer to retain him
The Vikings were never going to get much (or anything) in return for players like Za'Darius Smith, Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, and Eric Kendricks, considering their contracts, age, and recent performance. That's why they settled for a couple Day 3 pick swaps in trading Smith and went the release route with the other three.
Hunter is a different story. He's still just 28 years old and is coming off a season in which he finished tied for seventh in the league with 70 pressures, despite adjusting to an entirely new defensive scheme. When he's healthy — and he didn't miss any time last year — he's one of the most productive, physically imposing edge rushers in the NFL. Even though he'll need a new contract, it makes sense that he would have significant trade value. The contract thing and his injury history makes it unlikely he'd fetch a first-rounder, but a second and change makes sense as a fair price.
Then again, if Fowler's right, the Vikings are going to try to keep Hunter. Trading him would mean further depleting their pass rush and taking a legitimate step towards rebuilding. Hunter is young enough and talented enough to be part of Minnesota's multi-year plan.
As is always the case, it'll come down to the details. The Vikings may prefer to keep Hunter, but how much is he asking for on an extension? What happens if a desperate team — say, the Panthers — offers a second-rounder and a couple other picks? There's a lot to consider if you're the Vikings, and they're going to be patient in making the decision that makes the most sense for their future.
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