By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
BigPaulSportsBigPaulSports
Notification Show More
Latest News
Cam Ward has a message for NFL teams: 'If you don't draft me, that's your fault'
Cam Ward has a message for NFL teams: ‘If you don’t draft me, that’s your fault’
Game Analysis NFL
Lil Wayne defends Jordan Love, talks Lakers' championship on 'First Things First'
Lil Wayne defends Jordan Love, talks Lakers’ championship on ‘First Things First’
Game Analysis
5 ways to fix NBA All-Star Weekend after widely panned 2025 event
5 ways to fix NBA All-Star Weekend after widely panned 2025 event
Game Analysis
Can Lakers make a title run as sixth-best odds to win NBA Finals? | First Things First
Can Lakers make a title run as sixth-best odds to win NBA Finals? | First Things First
Game Analysis
Bucky Brooks’ Top 5 Super Bowl contenders sparks debate | First Things First
Bucky Brooks’ Top 5 Super Bowl contenders sparks debate | First Things First
Game Analysis NFL
Aa
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Reading: Deal done, Hunter wants ‘to be a Viking forever’
Share
Aa
BigPaulSportsBigPaulSports
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Search
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
BigPaulSports > Blog > NFL > Deal done, Hunter wants ‘to be a Viking forever’
NFLSports News

Deal done, Hunter wants ‘to be a Viking forever’

BigP
Last updated: 2023/08/01 at 2:07 PM
BigP Published August 1, 2023
Share
Deal done, Hunter wants 'to be a Viking forever'
SHARE
  • Kevin Seifert, ESPN Staff WriterJul 31, 2023, 06:47 PM ET

    Close

      Kevin Seifert is a staff writer who covers the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL at ESPN. Kevin has covered the NFL for over 20 years, joining ESPN in 2008. He was previously a beat reporter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Washington Times. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia. You can follow him via Twitter @SeifertESPN.

EAGAN, Minn. — A week ago, Minnesota Vikings pass-rusher Danielle Hunter grudgingly reported to training camp after having skipped the entire offseason program, including mandatory minicamp, in a contract dispute. For five days, he followed a modified routine that included daily trips to the practice facility but no time on the field as team executives explored trade possibilities.

On Monday, Hunter’s tune had changed considerably. After signing a new contract that will pay him at least $17 million this season, he stood in front of a group of reporters and said: “I want to be a Viking forever.”

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

The relief Hunter expressed more closely resembled a temporary reprieve. The deal prevents the Vikings from using their franchise or transition tag on him next spring, making it likely that he will enter the free agent market for the first time in his career. But if Hunter holds any grudges over the Vikings’ refusal to give him a longer-term contract, he wasn’t saying so Monday.

“I love this organization,” he said. “I’ve always been an advocate for these dudes. I’m happy to be back, happy to get back out there with my teammates, and just want to get out there and play football. … It’s been a long process, but I’m here now, and I’m ready to work.”

Asked whether he had hoped the Vikings would trade him during the offseason, or even this summer, Hunter said: “I wasn’t really focused on that. I wanted to come back here, be with my teammates and play ball. I’m happy we got over the hump.”

Hunter, who led the Vikings with 10.5 sacks last season, participated Monday in a light walk-through but worked mostly off to the side during the team’s full-pads practice later in the day. He said the Vikings’ medical staff has planned a two-week acclimation period to get him ready for full practice participation.

In the meantime, Hunter will be working on learning the Vikings’ new defense under coordinator Brian Flores. While Hunter’s position is officially an outside linebacker in the scheme, Flores downplayed the likelihood that Hunter will spend much time dropping into coverage or doing anything other than rushing the passer. As an outside linebacker last season under former defensive coordinator Ed Donatell, Hunter dropped into coverage on nearly 5% of his snaps, nearly twice as much as his career average.

“I probably like him going forward more than backwards, personally,” Flores said, “but there are some instances where he may have to drop.”

Sponsored Content

Bet the World Cup in Wager.dm

You Might Also Like

Cam Ward has a message for NFL teams: ‘If you don’t draft me, that’s your fault’

Bucky Brooks’ Top 5 Super Bowl contenders sparks debate | First Things First

Top 10 2025 NFL free-agent QBs: Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson?

2025 NFL Draft odds: Will Titans retain the No. 1 pick?

BigP August 1, 2023
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print

Follow US

Find US on Social Medias
Facebook Like
Twitter Follow
Youtube Subscribe
Telegram Follow
newsletter featurednewsletter featured

Weekly Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

    Popular News
    Betting tens of thousands to win hundreds: Inside the wild world of 'No' bets
    NFLSports News

    Betting tens of thousands to win hundreds: Inside the wild world of ‘No’ bets

    BigP BigP July 19, 2024
    Connelly on transfer trends: What last season can teach us about 2023
    Chiefs newbie Godrick welcomed to NFL by Mahomes, Kelce
    Tyreek Hill lets youth football camper juke him in friendly drill
    How will the Seahawks split carries in a stacked backfield?
    - Advertisement -
    Ad imageAd image

    Categories

    • Sports

    About US

    We offer information and tips on US Sports and evernts all over the world.
    Top Categories
    • Game Analysis
    • Free Picks
    • Services
    • Premium Content

    Subscribe US

    Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

      © Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.

      Removed from reading list

      Undo
      Welcome Back!

      Sign in to your account

      Lost your password?