Report: Danielle Hunter to Remain With Vikings Despite Trade Interest

The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly planning to keep star defensive end Danielle Hunter despite trade interest.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, "multiple" teams inquired about Hunter, and the Vikings had "discussions on his future" but decided to keep him in Minnesota.

Fowler's report came on the heels of ESPN's Adam Schefter reporting that the Vikings planned to pay Hunter his $18 million roster bonus due Saturday and honor the final two years of his contract.

For much of his NFL career, the 27-year-old Hunter has been one of the most productive pass-rushers in the NFL.

In six seasons, Hunter has three campaigns with double-digit sacks to his credit, including back-to-back seasons with 14.5 sacks in 2018 and 2019. Hunter also reached the 70-tackle mark in each of those seasons, earning him his first two Pro Bowl selections.

The 2015 third-round draft pick out of LSU was on pace for another massive year in 2021 with six sacks in seven games, but a torn pectoral muscle caused him to miss Minnesota's final 10 games.

Injuries have been a major issue for Hunter in recent years, as he missed the entire 2020 season with a neck injury and followed that up with missing most of the 2021 campaign.

More so than anything, durability likely played a role in the Vikings entertaining the thought of trading their stud pass-rusher.

Instead, it looks like the Vikings are keeping him in hopes that he can help new head coach Kevin O'Connell lead the Vikes to a turnaround.

Minnesota has missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, leading to the firing of head coach Mike Zimmer in January. While a new coaching staff is now in place, the key players on the roster are largely the same.

The offense will continue to be led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, running back Dalvin Cook and wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen with Hunter and safety Harrison Smith anchoring the defense.

Trading away a pass-rusher of Hunter's caliber would have left a massive hole in Minnesota's front four, but instead, he will look to wreak havoc on NFC North quarterbacks once again in 2022.