The Minnesota Vikings’ deal with DE Danielle Hunter is a win-win scenario.
Hunter gets more guaranteed money up front, while the Vikings get to to push back the contract decision on their star edge rusher. The defensive end is coming off a season-ending neck injury, so now the team can see what Hunter has this upcoming season.
But just when will Minnesota have to make a decision about Hunter? Barring a change in Hunter’s contract, the Vikings will have to make a decision by March 20 of 2022, per Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press.
That’s because Hunter’s $18 million roster bonus will be due by then, so it wouldn’t make much sense for the Vikings to eat that sum, then let Hunter walk that offseason. Indeed, Minnesota will almost certainly have to make a decision by that time.
What decision will the Vikings make? It most likely depends on how well Hunter plays in the team’s revamped defense.