The Vikings defensive line suffered with stud defensive end Danielle Hunter missing the whole season with a neck injury.
In 2018 and 2019, Hunter combined for 29 sacks and made the Pro Bowl in each season.
While there were some rumours that Hunter could hold out for a new contract, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer sounded optimistic on Wednesday that he’ll be back on the field this season.
“We’re excited to get him back on the field,” Zimmer said via Eric Smith of Vikings.com. “He’s a great team guy, he’s a terrific player, and he’s one of the best people that I’ve been around in professional football.”
Hunter is due $12.75 million in 2021, making him the sixth-highest paid defensive end in the league per Spotrac.
It’s crazy to think that it’s been six years since Hunter was drafted and he’s still only 26 years old.
The Vikings defensive line will look significantly different in 2021 with Michael Pierce returning and the signing of Dalvin Tomlinson.