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Dec 27, 2023

4 ideal Danielle Hunter trade scenarios from the Minnesota Vikings

Pro Bowl pass rusher Danielle Hunter is again surfacing in trade rumors as the

Pro Bowl pass rusher Danielle Hunter is again surfacing in trade rumors as the stud defensive end continues to find himself mired in a contract stalemate with the Minnesota Vikings.

However, things seem to be different than in the past. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media is reporting that multiple teams have called the Vikings about Hunter with interest being considered "serious."

There are a lot of layers to this most-recent report. Hunter is currently playing under a five-year, $72 million contract. He's vastly underpaid in the grand scheme of things and is set to hit free agency after the 2023 campaign.

A three-time Pro Bowl performer, Hunter has long been at odds with the Vikings’ front office about his worth to the team. That's now extended to two different regimes in Minnesota. What we do know is that the 28-year-old Hunter has been among the most consistent performers at the edge since jumping on to the scene as a rookie back in 2015.

Hunter is averaging 16 QB hits and 10 sacks throughout his seven-year career. He's a prime option for contending teams in need of pass-rush help.

As for Minnesota, it has been in cost-cutting mode all offseason. That includes releasing mainstays such as wide receiver Adam Thielen and linebacker Eric Kendricks while trading fellow Pro Bowl pass rusher Za’Darius Smith.

Related: Ranking all 32 NFL defenses heading into training camp

Again, a number of contending teams will have interest in Hunter should Minnesota actually become serious about trading the pass rusher.

From a short-term perspective, he's set to count just $5.4 million against the 2023 NFL salary cap for an acquiring team. Sure, an extension would likely have to be worked out. But that's doable at this point in the offseason. Here's a look at four ideal destinations in a trade.