Danielle Hunter and Vikings Come to Terms on Reworked Contract

There were a lot of questions surrounding Danielle Hunter entering Monday but most of those are now answered just hours later. This morning, we found out that Hunter would, in fact, be showing up at Minnesota Vikings’ mandatory minicamp this week. Now, it’s being reported that the two sides have come to terms on a reworked contract for the 26-year-old defensive end. Ian Rapoport (NFL Network) broke the story.

Win-win: The #Vikings and pass-rusher Danielle Hunter have agreed to terms on a reworked deal, sources say. Hunter gets significant money moved up in his contract, while Minnesota gets one of its stars to report. A solid conclusion for all sides in an ongoing saga.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 14, 2021

Danielle Hunter gets $5.6M of this year’s $$ due as a signing bonus, source said. More importantly, there is now an $18M roster bonus the 5th day of the league year in 2022 — creating a decision for MIN. He’ll either make $20M or so next year, be released or have a new deal. https://t.co/qLJQbfms9G

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 14, 2021

Essentially, the #Vikings created a decision after next season and moved a bunch of money up for Hunter. A frustrating situation for all was quietly worked out over the past few months. Hunter is now healthy and a big season helps him and Minnesota. https://t.co/ZtTfiOb07Q

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 14, 2021

What does this mean

Rapoport laid it out pretty well, though a nice clean reply thread would have been better for everyone. The Vikings have moved a bunch of Hunter’s money up to this season and now they’ll owe Hunter $20 million for 2022 if they don’t give him a new deal after this season.

As Courtney Cronin tweeted, this allows Hunter to make more money while Spielman and Co. can wait on whether to break the bank on his future. The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for a big run in 2021. Most of their defense is now on a one-year commitment.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan