On defense, the front office has been focused on the interior defensive line. That’s because, this time last year, they did the same thing on the edge, signing Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel out of the 2024 free agent class. Both of those deals proved absolutely crucial to Minnesota’s surprising success last season.

But before they signed those two gamechangers to their new-look 2024 defense, they first had to say goodbye to Danielle Hunter, a pass rushing monster they drafted and developed into one of the best 4-3 defensive ends in football.

After the Minnesota Vikings decided against paying Danielle Hunter, he found a deal back in his hometown with the Houston Texans, worth two years, $49 million. He paid the Texans off for their investment with an impressive impressive debut season where he started all 17 games for his new team, racking up 12 sacks, 46 tackles (17 TFL) and a career-high 23 quarterback hits.

It was the third year in a row Hunter has played every game of the season, proving his ability to stay healthy, something that was far from guaranteed a couple years ago. With the Minnesota Vikings in 2023, Hunter recorded career highs in sacks (16.5), tackles (83), TFLs (23) and forced fumbles (4), which helped him his original deal in Houston.

Danielle Hunter cashing in after leaving Minnesota Vikings

But now, the Texans are ripping up last year’s contract, in exchange for a much bigger 2025 payday. Now, the 30-year-old LSU alum — who is coming off another Pro Bowl selection — will make $32 million this season and $54.1M fully guaranteed. His new deal makes Hunter the second-highest paid defensive end in the league, per Tom Pelissero (NFL Network).

The #Texans and Danielle Hunter have agreed to a one-year, $35.6 million contract extension that makes him the NFL’s second-highest paid defensive end, per sources.

Hunter will make $32M this season — a $12.5M raise — and $55.1M ($54.1M fully guaranteed) over the next two… pic.twitter.com/SR0UbySLse

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 19, 2025

The one-year extension is gaudy, for sure. Las Vegas Raiders DE Maxx Crosby is the only player at the position who is making more than Danielle Hunter, which also adds another year and more guaranteed money to the deal.

Related: Vikings O-Line Rental Lands Generous New Deal Elsewhere

When considering the top edge rushers in the league, it’s hard not to immediately bring up Hunter’s name. For Minnesota Vikings fans, he was part of an elite defensive end talent that spans Carl Eller, Jared Allen, and Everson Griffen.

As the Texans look to take another step forward this season, DeMeco Ryans will need plenty of his top contributors to show up once again. Hunter has been a Pro Bowl selection in five of the six seasons in which he has started at least 16 games. He also has accumulated 99.5 career sacks.

Danielle Hunter creating an optical illusion to set up his spin pic.twitter.com/AxO0e9b4Uz

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) September 9, 2024

MN Vikings value looking great on the edge

The Vikings sought an opportunity to spread money around when they moved on from Danielle Hunter last season. They found success in the form of Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard. That tandem combined for 23.5 sacks while each of them made the Pro Bowl and finished higher in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

This season the Texans will pay more for Hunter on his own ($32 million) than Minnesota will for their new tandem ($31.5 million). It’s beyond logical that Van Ginkel and Greenard could be looking for raises soon. It appears both would like to be in Minnesota long term.

Related: Vikings Linebackers Appear Committed to Minnesota

Van Ginkel really had a coming out season during his first in Minnesota. The 11.5 sacks were nearly double his previous career-high (6.0). He also picked off a pair of passes and took both back to the house.

OH MY GOSH ANDREW VAN GINKEL pic.twitter.com/9C3KMW9wRK

— Justin Penik (@JustinPenik) January 6, 2025

Brian Flores has no serious need for edge rushing talent with Van Ginkel, Greenard, and youngster Dallas Turner. It’s great Hunter got paid, but Minnesota played this perfectly.

Stephon Gilmore, other new Minnesota Vikings thriving

Meanwhile, the Vikings aren’t really missing either player. Sam Darnold has proven himself a very capable quarterback, thus far. On defense, Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard have mostly allowed fans to forget about Hunter and the 16.5 sacks he piled up last season.

The defense, as a whole, has struggled in two straight losses. But for the most part, Brian Flores’ squad has been no worse for the wear, even after swapping out more than a handful of starters during the offseason. One of the most unsung heroes, especially in the first five games of the season, is cornerback Stephon Gilmore.

Nice job by the Vikings' CB Stephon Gilmore anchoring & waiting for the Rams' route concept to unfold.

Vision the QB, feel the route concept, & drive on ball thrown.
— pic.twitter.com/RXTOahTzRa

— Cody Alexander (@The_Coach_A) October 28, 2024

Back when the Minnesota Vikings were flirting with Stephon Gilmore this offseason, the hope was that the 34-year-old veteran could stabilize a secondary that lacked a high-end outside cover guy who was battle tested. Prior to riding the struggle bus vs Detroit and LA, Gilmore was all that he had been cracked up to be, and more. ESPN’s Aaron Schatz highlighted just how good that signing has been.

Gilmore has started all seven games and played 86% of the snaps for the Minnesota defense, which leads the league in my DVOA ratings. The raw coverage stats are pretty average for Gilmore, who has one interception this season. He has allowed a lot of shorter completions and finally gave up his first touchdown against the Rams in Week 8, a 7-yard score for Cooper Kupp. However, Gilmore’s coverage DVOA is near the top of the league because of adjustments for who he has had to cover… The Vikings are glad to have Gilmore, who is a key player on their elite defense, to cover some of the best receivers in the game.

Aaron Schatz on Stephon Gilmore (ESPN)

Schatz listed the wide receivers Gilmore had to cover, through the first seven games of the season: Malik Nabers Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Garrett Wilson, Puka Nacua, and Cooper Kupp have given Gilmore everything he can handle, and more. He may be getting worn down, too. His PFF grades vs LA hit a brutal season low (44.7 DEF, 45.0 COV)

On Sunday, Gilmore gets a bit of a softer landing spot vs Joe Flacco and the Indianapolis Colts. Neither Josh Downs or Michael Pittman Jr are Puka Nakua or Cooper Kupp. Still, this is the NFL, where you don’t get a week off.

STEPHON GILMORE SEALS THE WIN WITH A PICK.#NYJvsMIN pic.twitter.com/3Li9D2uZw1

— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024

Stephon Gilmore has had a tough last couple weeks… pic.twitter.com/O79Ts9d0Zw

— Alec (@Riichter) October 25, 2024

Related: Vikings vs Colts QB Drama: Head Coach Under Fire and Not Handling It Well

Despite having performed well thus far though, it will always remain a week-by-week thing with Gilmore. He’s 34 years old, and the point in which his body doesn’t allow him to maintain this level may take place at any moment.

Danielle Hunter enjoying life after Vikings

Cousins may have gotten the substantial payday, but Hunter did ok for himself too. And on the football field, Hunter picked up right where he left off with the Minnesota Vikings. At 5.5 sacks Hunter is 12th in the NFL in sacks, after Thursday night’s game.

“Houston ranks second in pass rush win rate (51.6%) and third in the NFL with 27 sacks. It also has the league’s fourth-best defensive DVOA when the defense brings pressure on the quarterback. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Hunter leads the NFL in pass pressures at 51, seven more than any other defender. He also has 5.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss.”

Schatz on Danielle Hunter (ESPN)

It’s tough to compete as an edge rusher when you don’t have a teammate worthy of attention themselves. That makes what Hunter did last season that much more impressive, given the non-existence of Marcus Davenport. But together with Will Anderson in Houston, the Texans have been wreaking serious havoc in opponents backfields.

Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry tag team for the @HoustonTexans sack!#HOUvsNYJ on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/BVzDoi49gK

— NFL (@NFL) November 1, 2024

Related: Jaguars Paid Minnesota Vikings to Take Cam Robinson. Here’s Why…

It wasn’t as thought the Vikings weren’t interested in Hunter’s services. He had an injury history though, is aging, and was going to command a premium payday. With the way it worked out, it has been a win for both parties.

But now folks want to know. Are the Vikings actually good? Or is Kevin O’Connell’s team just riding an early hot streak that’s destined to freeze over like the rest of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes? A Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans might just give Vikings fans the answers they’re looking for.

Vikings rush for over 200 yards

There’s no denying the Vikings’ rushing attack is much improved over last season’s team. In 2023, Flores’ group finished with the fourth-fewest rushing yards and third-fewest rushing touchdowns in the NFL.

It’s a small sample size, but so far, the Vikings have the 14th-most rushing yards in the league. They are also tied for the 19th-most rushing touchdowns. It’s still not great, but averaging 128.5 rushing yards per game is much better than the 91.3 Minnesota averaged last season.

This week’s challenge sends Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler up against a stout Texans defense that has allowed the seventh-fewest rushing yards through two weeks (87.5 YPG). For last year’s Vikings, facing the Texans would have been a problem. But this is a new-look rushing attack with a 1-2 punch that keeps the legs of Jones and Chandler fresh all game long. Each have a unique burst of speed that has been tough for defenses to slow down thus far.

Related: Familiar Running Back in Line to Start for Texans vs Minnesota Vikings

We’re going out on a limb to say the Vikings top 200 yards of rushing offense on Sunday. The last time the Vikings had 200 or more rushing yards came in Week 9 of the 2021 season against Pittsburgh. But with Justin Jefferson’s and Jordan Addison’s health in question, don’t be surprised if O’Connell dials up a run-heavy game plan against Houston.

Stefon Diggs gets held to less than 50 yards, again

The Vikings shockingly traded Stefon Diggs after the 2019 season ended. Amazingly, the Minneapolis Miracle’s central figure hasn’t returned to U.S. Bank Stadium ever since. Sure, Diggs has played the Vikings since, for a game in Buffalo during the 2022 season. That time, Diggs recorded 12 receptions for 128 yards in a game the Vikings won 33-30.

But Diggs isn’t the top target on his team anymore. Now he’s the second or third option, at best, behind Nico Collins and possibly Tank Dell too. Yet, if we go by his targets so far, C.J. Stroud has attempted the second-most passes to Diggs compared to other Texans pass-catchers.

Related: Very Optimistic Justin Jefferson Injury Update via KOC and Paul Allen

The only issue is, the All-Pro receiver hasn’t been very productive. In games one and two Diggs recorded just 33 and 37 yards, respectively. Luckily, he’s gotten into the endzone both games, taming his tempter, and those of his fantasy football owners. Naturally, the former Vikings wideout will arrive at his old digs with a big chip on his shoulder.

However, the Vikings can cause some frustration by holding Diggs to fewer than 50 receiving yards across the first three games of a season for the first time since he played in Minnesota. We’ll see if Brian Flores can pull it off.

Jonathan Greenard makes a bigger impact than Danielle Hunter

When the Vikings let Danielle Hunter leave for Houston, on a two-year, $49 million contract, many thought Minnesota’s defense was doomed. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had other plans, signing Jonathan Greenard to a more affordable four-year, $76 million contract.

• Jonathan Greenard stats this season: 2 TKL, 1 Sack – 61.3 PFF grade (60th-best among edge defenders)
• Danielle Hunter stats this season: 4 TKL, 1.5 Sacks – 77.3 PFF grade (18th-best among edge defenders)

Despite the PFF grade suggesting otherwise, the Vikings have gotten similar production out of Greenard, as the Texans have Hunter. That’s before we consider how much money the Vikings saved by moving on from Hunter, though.

Related: NFL QB Rankings: Where does Sam Darnold rank?

That doesn’t mean Vikings fans won’t be watching closely, comparing the production of No. 55 (Danielle Hunter’s new number) vs No. 58 dressed in purple. Hunter gets paid roughly $5.5 million more per year. Yet we’re predicting a bigger day from Greenard against his former team. We’ll see how Danielle handles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill outside of the practice field.

Minnesota Vikings’ defense intercepts C.J. Stroud twice

There are just eight starting quarterbacks who have yet to throw an interception this season. C.J. Stroud is one of them. This shouldn’t be a surprise, considering he didn’t throw his first NFL interception until Week 6 of his rookie year. I mean, he only five INTs total, all season.

But he’s still just a 22-year-old second-year pro, and he’s never faced a defense as confusing as the one Brian Flores operates. Brock Purdy said the scheme is “crazy“. Reminder: Stroud’s offensive coordinator comes from San Francisco, which means Houston’s quarterback might not be prepared to face the Vikings’ new-look defense, either.

Related: Minnesota Vikings – Kings of the NFC North, Just Like Everyone Predicted…

Stroud has thrown more than one interception in a single game just once in his career, against Arizona in Week 11 of last season. But the Vikings enter Week 3 with the most sacks in the NFL. So if they can pressure the young QB early and often, Stroud just might make enough mistakes to change the outcome of the game.

Can the Vikings coax two or more interceptions out of one of the NFL’s least-turnover-prone quarterbacks? We’ll find out on Sunday.

Related: PFF Falling in Love with Minnesota Vikings After Week 2

While Turner hasn’t been given a chance to show off his pass-rushing skillset in an official NFL game quite yet, he has had a chance to go up against Christian Darrisaw, PFF’s 5th-best pass-blocking tackle in 2023.

Dallas Turner spin move > Danielle Hunter spin move?

So far, Darrisaw’s been impressed with the 21-year-old’s game during OTAs. So much so that he gushed to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson about how Turner’s spin move is somehow even quicker than Danielle Hunter’s was.

Sound of the day at #Vikings OTA came from LT Christian Darrisaw describing how good rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner looks: pic.twitter.com/mQvPZ5lhot

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) May 29, 2024

Darrisaw: “I think Dallas is going to be special.”… “Getting him, [I was] kind of excited just to see that draft pick go across the board. He’s definitely going to help us. He’s gonna be a solid player, for sure.”

Wolfson: ‘What gets you excited about Turner?’

Darrisaw: “Definitely his explosiveness. He has that burst. He’s quick. He had a spin move last week that was quicker than Danielle’s, I was like damn, this guy’s going to be special.

Wolfson: “Quicker than Danielle’s?”

Darrisaw: “Quicker than Danielle’s, man, I don’t want to give it away, but yeah for sure. No doubt.”

Christian Darrisaw on Dallas Turner

Darrisaw had better be ready because it won’t be long before Turner is trying to work his impressive arsenal of pass rush moves on the Vikings pro bowl left tackle. Darrisaw also had positive reviews on Jonathan Greenard, the projected starting edge rusher who inked a four-year, $76 million contract in free agency: “Just watching him throughout the year last year, he had an exciting year. We got two good ones.”

If the Vikings’ new pass-rushing tandem, plus Andrew Van Ginkel, can lead to more pressure for Brian Flores’ defense, it will only make Minnesota’s secondary better, too. After allowing the 24th-most passing yards in the NFL, there’s plenty of room for improvement in Minnesota, and Turner could be part of the solution.

Related: No Extension Imminent for Vikings’ Left Tackle Christian Darrisaw

Upon first glance, many were confused by the Vikings shelling out $19 million annually to another pass-rusher not named Danielle Hunter, yet, others suggest that rate was a bargain. Consider that Hunter signed for $24.5 million per season, and is three years older, and the Vikings’ decision doesn’t look so bad.

But don’t just take our purple-tinted outlook on the situation as gospel. Some analysts such as ESPN’s Seth Walder have even suggested that Greenard would be preferred over Hunter, if given the choice.

“I’m grading this deal just for the situation Houston found itself in Tuesday (post-Greenard loss), but I would be more critical if I included choosing Hunter over Greenard. This is a take, granted, but I would prefer Greenard to Hunter because he’s younger, has better advanced metrics and is the better run defender. And that’s before looking at the difference in price. But with Greenard gone, Houston did well to add Hunter at a time when the team’s rookie QB contract winning window is wide-open.”

ESPN’s Seth Walder on Jonathan Greenard

Greenard recorded 12.5 sacks compared to Hunter’s 16.5 last season. But Greenard’s 22% pass-rush win-rate actually rated better than Hunter’s (14%). Greenard’s 37% run-stop rate would have led the NFL, had he played enough run-stopping downs to qualify among league leaders.

While it may be hard to stomach the loss of Hunter, by all appearances, the Vikings found a pretty good replacement in Jonathan Greenard.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Had a Good Reason to Walk Away from L’Jarius Sneed Trade

Once he got around what was an absolutely star studded defensive line back then, under Mike Zimmer, one that included the likes of Everson Griffen, Linval Joseph and Brian Robison, he blossomed like a beautiful rose on steroids, as he transformed into one of the best day-2 draft choices in recent Vikings history.

Danielle Hunter is signing with the Houston Texans

But on Tuesday, at 29-years-old, it was announced that he’s moving on to the next stop on his NFL journey. When free agency officially starts on Wednesday, Hunter will sign a 2-year, $49 million contract with the Houston Texans, $48 million of which is guaranteed.

That’s nearly $25 million per season, all of which is guaranteed at signing. Not only that, but he will hit free agency again at just 31-years-old. It’s worth noting that the Vikings agreed to terms with former Texan Jonathan Greenard on Monday, meaning the two teams essentially swapped the two pass rushers during the negotiating period.

Danielle Hunter has agreed to terms with the Houston Texans, to return home! 2-years, 49m with 48m fully guaranteed. Contract has 51m total max. Deal done by @zekesandhu @KlutchSports https://t.co/AvjNkqGE3f

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2024

Danielle Hunter played 119 games in purple and gold, 90 of which he started. Since 1982 (the year the NFL started counting sacks as an official statistic), Hunter’s 87.5 total sacks (16.5 of which came last season) stand 3rd all time in Minnesota Vikings history, behind just John Randle (114) and Chris Doleman (96.5). Jared Allen finished his career here with 85.5 sacks, good for 4th behind Danielle.

Related: Former Packers RB Aaron Jones is Signing with the Minnesota Vikings

But Hunter wasn’t just good at rushing the passer. Under Mike Zimmer, it was crucial that the 4-3 defensive ends stayed disciplined and filled the right gaps or held the backside properly against the run. If you didn’t, you didn’t play. So Hunter is far from a one-trick pony.

From a PFF standpoint, Hunter has aged like a fine wine, though according to their metrics, he did have some regression come through in 2023 where he saw his defensive grade drop from where it sat from 2019-2022, which averaged in the mid 80s down to a 78. It’s the first time his defense grade has dropped under 80 since 2018.

Related: Kirk Cousins to Atlanta Hype Train is Out of Control

But he seems to be facing a similar dilemma too. The Vikings are not expected to come anywhere near the top of the market for his services. That more than likely, Hunter would have to take less than his market value to return to Minnesota.

Danielle Hunter wants $25M/YR, says former Minnesota Vikings GM

If that’s true, a Wednesday report released by former Vikings general manager and long time front office executive, Jeff Diamond (now an analyst for The 33rd Team), means that Hunter has probably worn purple and gold for the last time.

The 29-year-old Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowler is seeking a $25 million plus per year deal coming off 16.5 sacks and a league-high 23 tackles-for-loss. However, Danielle Hunter missed the entire 2020 season because of a neck injury and had a pec tear that cost him the last 10 games in 2021.

Former Vikings GM Jeff Diamond – The 33rd Team

The top EDGE rushers in the NFL (outside of Nick Bosa who makes $35M/YR) are paid $25-$30 million per season so it’s no surprise that Hunter is asking for that much. What is a bit surprising is the point Diamond is making in his piece for The 33rd Team, which is cautioning teams against spending big money on Danielle Hunter, given his past injury history.

Related: NFL Insider Says Vikings Could Lose Danielle Hunter to Chicago Bears

Hunter has been healthy for two-straight seasons now so it’s a bit surprising to see a former Vikings GM try to urge teams away from signing him. It’s been awhile but Diamond was with the Minnesota Vikings organization for 22 years, from 1976-1998.

And if he really is asking for $25M per season, I think current GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will 100% heed his predecessor’s advice and steer very clear of paying Danielle Hunter that kind of cash.

Related: Some Within Vikings Organization Eyeing Trade-Up for Justin Jefferson Friendly QB in NFL Draft

They do know, however, exactly where their offseason begins: Kirk Cousins. Saturday, we found out that the Danielle Hunter’s contract negotiations have been put on hold until the Vikings can figure out the fate of #8.

Kirk Cousins coveted around NFL

On Sunday morning, a cumulative report dropped by top NFL insider and ‘one of us’, Tom Pelissero (NFL Network), who says the Vikings want to re-sign Kirk Cousins but that the 35-year-old QB will have a lot of suitors, should he hit free agency.

“The Vikings want to re-sign Kirk Cousins, who is set to hit free agency in March for the first since 2018. But Cousins is expected to have a strong market, even coming off a torn Achilles as he enters his age-36 season, and Minnesota is evaluating all options in the event Cousins lands elsewhere.”

Tom Pelissero – NFL Network

Concerned that the cost could get too expensive, the front office is exploring all possible 2024-25 QB options, including discount veterans like Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold; not to mention the draft.

Justin Jefferson won’t talk until Kirk’s situation is resolved

Complicating matters even further, says Pelissero, is Jefferson’s insistence that Kirk’s contract situation be resolved before he is willing to sit down at any TCO Performance Center negotiating tables.

“Complicating matters is that superstar receiver Justin Jefferson is also up for a new contract after talks didn’t yield a deal before last season. Jefferson is a Cousins fan and will want to know the quarterback plan before signing on for the long haul.”

Tom Pelissero – NFL Network

Signing Cousins, Jefferson and Danielle Hunter is unrealistic?

The three insider stooges from NFL Network weren’t quite done with their morning scoops on the Minnesota Vikings, though. They went on to report that it’s “probably unrealistic” to think general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah can get all three of Cousins, Jefferson and Hunter under new contracts this offseason.

“The Vikings also have another top pending free agent, edge rusher Danielle Hunter, and re-signing all three players is probably unrealistic.”

Tom Pelissero – NFL Network

This report makes me officially nervous about the Vikings’ offseason plans, or lack thereof. Because we know there’s no truth to this idea that Minnesota can’t afford to re-sign all three of their pending free agent superstars. Here’s the full video. Tom’s report is at the very start.

The Insiders on @NFLGameDay: A look at some of the QBs who'll get paid this offseason, spotlighting #Vikings free agent QB Kirk Cousins, #Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, and #Cowboys QB Dak Prescott. pic.twitter.com/HbjdQiKM98

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 11, 2024

Are the Minnesota Vikings ditching their superstar(s)

Not only is it plausible to re-sign all three guys but, due to astronomical dead cap charges for both Hunter ($15M) and Cousins ($28.5M), it could very well hurt their cap situation MORE in the short term NOT to re-sign them.

Related: Kirk Cousins Shows Off Repaired Achilles by Dancing to ‘My Pony’ at NFL Honors

So… why are three of the biggest sports insiders in the world reporting that it’s “probably unrealistic”? That’s the red flag, right? All of the steam flowing out of Super Bowl week seems to have the Vikings moving on from at least one of Kirk Cousins and/or Danielle Hunter.

Related: Pat McAfee Show Highlights National Media’s Misinterpretation of Vikings Salary Cap Situation

That’s an important date because it also stands as the moment Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter are both scheduled to become free agents and a total of $43.4 million in dead cap charges ($28.5M for Cousins + $14.9M for Hunter) are scheduled to hit the Vikings’ books for next season.

There’s a long list of unchecked items on general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s offseason to-do list before then, but there’s a pecking order. And at the top of that pecking order is Kirk Cousins. Even Justin Jefferson admitted, while doing interview rounds during Super Bowl week, that what happens with Kirk could affect his contract talks.

Vikings want clarity on Kirk Cousins soon; Danielle Hunter talks on hold

On Sunday, Dan Graziano (ESPN) said that Danielle Hunter’s fate won’t be decided until after Cousins’ future is realized either. The Vikings, according to Graziano, are determined to figure Kirk’s situation out “in the next few weeks” which runs us right up to the start of March.

“Kirk Cousins’ impending free agency is a story at this year’s Super Bowl, much like it was six years ago when the big game was in Minneapolis. The Minnesota Vikings are working to see if they can keep their 35-year-old quarterback — who is coming off an Achilles tear — and they’d like to have an answer in the next few weeks so they can plan accordingly.”

“Minnesota’s other business — most prominently a potential new deal for defensive end Danielle Hunter before he hits the market — is on hold until it figures out what’s going on with Cousins.”

Dan Graziano – ESPN+

Cousins has maintained for awhile now that he doesn’t expect contract talks with Minnesota to even start until March. Clearly, those at TCO Performance Center hope to be done talking by then, so they can focus on where to turn next.

We’ll see when the two sides actually meet up at the negotiating table but their difference in timelines is, at the least, interesting. No matter, I can’t imagine a future where both Hunter and Cousins’ contract negotiations aren’t complete by March 13, when both are scheduled to become free agents. After reading today’s note by Graziano, I’m hopeful we’ll know by the end of February.

Related: Vikings Fire Head Athletic Trainer Uriah Myrie After Just Two Seasons on Job

As it stands, Hunter is far and away the biggest playmaker on the Vikings defensive depth chart. I like Danielle Hunter but that’s a bigger reflection on the lack of talent defensively, than it is anything else. Nonetheless, it proves how crucial he is to the Vikings’ 2024 outlook on that side of the football.

ESPN Analytics guru predicts Vikings will let Danielle Hunter walk

But in a big league-wide feature at ESPN on Sunday, in which their NFL staff dove into the offseason outlooks of each eliminated team in the league, analytics guru, AP All-Pro voter and the creator of the widely used DVOA metric, Aaron Schatz (ESPN), predicts that the Vikings will throw their defensive future into chaos this offseason by letting Danielle Hunter walk in free agency.

Big prediction for the offseason: The Vikings will allow edge rusher Danielle Hunter to leave in free agency despite the fact he set a career-high with 16.5 sacks in 2023. Hunter’s cost will be too expensive going into his age-30 season (likely over $20 million per year), and Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will look to get younger on defense.

Aaron Schatz – ESPN

Out of the three major contracts the Minnesota Vikings will be all but forced to address this offseason, Hunter’s is the one that I wonder about the most. It won’t have a lot of term (2-3 years) so the Vikings won’t be able to backload anything, like they will with Justin Jefferson’s.

Will Minnesota Vikings really let Hunter walk…?

As we proved last week, Kwesi can easily fit Cousins, JJ and Hunter into their cap plans over the next couple years, prior to Justin Jefferson’s annual cap hit becoming too expensive. So money matters, but it’s not a question of whether or not the Vikings can afford it. They can.

Related: Vikings WR Coach Keenan McCardell Wants To Call Plays; Hopes for OC Opportunity

What it comes down to, is the same thing as what the entire Minnesota Vikings offseason comes down to: Does this organization value winning in 2024? If ownership wants to win now then re-signing Hunter, just like Kirk Cousins, becomes an easy “yes” decision.

Danielle Hunter highlights from the Bears game. Dude is a monster. pic.twitter.com/wij4bhidx2

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) December 1, 2023

If the main objective is to win now, re-signing your two most important players (to immediate success) on each side of the football is the only logical decision. Now, if focusing on the future takes precedence over immediate success, then we have a different conversation.