Danielle Hunter Hits Final $1 Million Sack Incentive

Danielle Hunter just made a million dollars by sacking a tight end. Seriously.

On third and short on the Bengals' opening drive on Saturday, they ran a trick play where tight end Tanner Hudson was looking to throw. So when Hunter forced him out of bounds, he got credited for a sack that brings his season total up to 14.5. He's now tied with Jared Allen for sixth in franchise history with 85.5 sacks.

Update: Hunter picked up another sack later in the first half, passing Allen and making himself the NFL leader in sacks for the time being.

When the Vikings reworked Hunter's contract this offseason to end his hold-in during training camp, it became a one-year deal worth up to $20 million. The base was $17 million, and it came with $1 million incentives at 11, 12.5, and 14 sacks. Hunter has now reached all three of those with three-plus games to spare.

No. 99 has been having an incredible season in Brian Flores' defense. He had three sacks in Week 2 against the Eagles, two sacks in Week 6 against the Bears, and at least one in 11 of the Vikings' 14 games so far. He's also tied for the NFL lead with 19 total tackles for loss.

Hunter, who turned 29 in October, is likely headed to his fourth Pro Bowl after this season. His injury issues in 2020 and '21 are fully and completely behind him, and he's setting himself up to get paid this offseason.

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