Hunter is approaching free agency as his five-year, $72 million contract extension from 2018 nears its end. Despite facing season-ending injuries, Hunter has emerged as one of the NFL’s premier pass-rushers, accumulating 26.5 sacks in the last two seasons, including a career-best 16.5 sacks last year. The potential for a nine-figure contract looms.
While a player of Hunter’s caliber would typically be a top priority for a team, the Minnesota Vikings have a unique situation. Kirk Cousins, also set to become a free agent, has led to discussions with Hunter being put “on hold” until the quarterback position is resolved, as reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. This delay in prioritizing Hunter could lead to his departure, marking a significant decision after years of addressing issues on a temporary basis.
Hunter’s pursuit of a lucrative deal became evident after his initial extension,
which initially seemed like a good value for the Vikings. However, as he amassed 14.5 sacks in 2018, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors, it turned into a bargain. The increased value of pass-rushers in the NFL, with the emphasis on having an elite edge presence, led to significant contracts for free-agent pass-rushers.
The mega deals signed by players like Khalil Mack, Trey Flowers, Myles Garrett, and Joey Bosa set a precedent that influenced Hunter to seek renegotiations. The Vikings had previously adjusted Adam Thielen’s contract, and Hunter’s continued success on the field justified revisiting negotiations.
Despite Hunter’s outstanding performance, the Vikings faced financial challenges with other key players, leading to contract dramas and restructures. The 2019 playoff win over the Saints prompted extensions for Cousins and Dalvin Cook, impacting Hunter’s contract negotiations. His neck injury in 2020 further complicated matters, resulting in contract restructuring and bonus adjustments.
Despite the market explosion, exemplified by T.J. Watt’s lucrative extension, Hunter continued to showcase his prowess with six sacks in seven games before another injury. The $18 million bonus added complexity, but the Vikings’ new general manager, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, opted to pay it, keeping Hunter in the fold for 2022.
