The Minnesota Vikings have held another pillar of their young defense: Vikes and Pass-Rusher Danielle Hunter reached an early agreement on Wednesday to extend their contract.
The 23-year-old would have entered the last year of his rookie contract in 2018; instead, he is now tied to Minnesota for the long term: According to information from NFL network insider Ian Rapoport, Hunter signed for five years and up to 72 million dollars. According to Rapoport, the signature bonus amounts to 15 million dollars.
The Vikings have confirmed the agreement via social media. Hunter is one of the most talented young pass rushers in the NFL, and if he continues to develop as hoped he could turn out to be a real bargain for Minnesota.
With an average annual salary of $14 million, he already ranks behind fellow passport rush members Melvin Ingram, Jason Pierre-Paul, Chandler Jones, Justin Houston, Olivier Vernon – despite the long contract term.
Hunter was enthusiastic about the premature agreement with the team website: “I was incredibly pleased and wondered whether this was really happening. I came here in a trance, I didn’t really realize it. This is an important day for my family, me and the team. I’m thrilled.”
Minnesota is working hard to keep his young, talented defense together despite Kirk Cousins’ expensive engagement. In addition to Hunter, Cornerback Xavier Rhodes (until 2022), Defensive End Everson Griffen (2022), Safety Harrison Smith (2021), Defensive Tackle Linval Joseph (2022) and Linebacker Eric Kendricks (2023) have long-term ties.
The next acute contract is likely to be that of Linebacker Anthony Barr, who is entering his final year of contract. This is followed by Safety Andrew Sendejo (2019) and Cornerback Trae Waynes (2019). In addition, defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson only received one year’s contract in this year’s Free Agency.