EAGAN, Minn. — Just as minicamp is about to kick off, the Minnesota Vikings were able to reach an agreement with All-Pro pass rusher Danielle Hunter, according to reports.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport tweeted Monday afternoon that the team reworked Hunter's deal to move a significant amount of money to the front-end of his contract.
"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," Rapoport tweeted.
Hunter missed all of last season with a neck injury, but prior to having surgery he had 14½ sacks and was named to his second straight Pro Bowl.
He was a no-show for voluntary OTA workouts in late May and early June, raising questions for some about his future with the club.
Hunter's absence was evident last season, with the Vikings finishing near the bottom of the league in team sacks. Only four teams finished with fewer sacks than Minnesota.
In another move to shore up last year's porous defensive line, the Vikings have signed their former tackle Sheldon Richardson. The deal was done before minicamp began, and brings back an proven interior pass rusher.
Richardson played two seasons for the Cleveland before being cut for salary cap space, after the Browns signed free agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.
