Vikings' Biggest Remaining Offseason Priority: Extending Danielle Hunter

It's been a busy offseason for the Vikings, but there's more to get done. The Dalvin Cook situation needs a resolution. Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson are logical extension candidates, even though Jefferson is under contract for two more seasons.

But the single biggest remaining priority for Minnesota? An extension for Danielle Hunter. Especially in the wake of the Za'Darius Smith trade, the Vikings need to ensure that their other Pro Bowl edge rusher is satisfied and in a purple jersey for the foreseeable future.

If you weren't aware, Hunter is set to make up to just $5.5 million in 2023 due to previous contract restructures. Unsurprisingly, there have been reports that the three-time Pro Bowler isn't thrilled about that. He wasn't present at the Vikings' voluntary offseason program and seems unlikely to attend anything non-mandatory until his contract situation is addressed.

The simplest way to fix it is with an extension that boosts Hunter's 2023 cash flow and keeps him in Minnesota for several more seasons. That's what NFL.com's Marc Sessler chose as the Vikings' biggest remaining offseason priority. It could be structured in a way that gives Hunter future security and immediate money while still clearing cap space this year.

Top priority: Put a ring on Danielle Hunter

GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is making moves to ease one of the league's trickier cap scenarios. Adam Thielen and Eric Kendricks were cut free. Millions came off the books with last week's trade of Za'Darius Smith to Cleveland. A post-June 1 release of runner Dalvin Cook could come next. So could — or should — an extension for Danielle Hunter. Owed just $4.9 million in the final year of his deal, an extension for the veteran edge rusher could free up additional space and keep new coordinator Brian Flores from pulling his hair out.

Hunter restored his place as one of the league's top edge rushers last season, shaking off a slow start in a new defensive scheme to finish with 10.5 sacks and 70 pressures. Before missing all of 2020 and the second half of 2021 due to injury, this is a guy who became the youngest player in NFL history to reach 50 career sacks. Hunter turns 29 in October and should have several highly-productive seasons left if he stays healthy. An extension would ensure that those seasons happen as a member of the Vikings.

Thanks for reading. Make sure to bookmark this site and check back daily for the latest Vikings news and analysis all offseason long. Also, follow me on Twitter and feel free to ask me any questions on there.