The experts over at NFL Research put together an article recently about NFL stars about to get their next big paydays.
Pittsburgh’s TJ Watt was the choice for defensive end, but the Vikings’ Danielle Hunter was named as a player to watch.
Hunter, who didn’t play at all last season due to a neck injury, is set to make $12.75 million in 2021, which would make him the fifth-highest paid defensive end in the league.
My guess is that a deal will likely be done before the 2022 season considering the Vikings could get out of Hunter’s contract for $7 million in 2022 and just $2 million in 2023. Hunter, who is still only 26, will want more guaranteed money, while the Vikings want to lower their cap numbers.
Per Spotrac, Hunter has made $41.8 million thus far in his career.
Hunter has piled up 54.5 sacks during his career, a mark that already ranks eighth in team history.