NFL Rumors: Vikings' Danielle Hunter Available for Trade amid Pursuit of New Contract

As Danielle Hunter continues to seek a new contract, the Minnesota Vikings are exploring trade options for the three-time Pro Bowler.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, citing sources from multiple teams, reported the Vikings have made Hunter available and they have "evaluated trade options" involving the 28-year-old.

Hunter did report to Vikings training camp this week, with head coach Kevin O'Connell addressing the contract situation while speaking to the media.

"Danielle and I have had such good dialogue over these last few days and really trying to build a plan for him that allows him to feel good about coming to work as a Minnesota Viking every single day," O'Connell said. "We'll continue to work through the contractual side. He is here, it was great to see him."

Hunter's decision to report wasn't necessarily a signal that things had changed between himself and the Vikings. Under the current collective bargaining agreement, holdouts not on rookie contracts are required to be fined $50,000 per day by the team.

There was trade chatter around Hunter throughout the offseason. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on June 7 there was "pretty serious" interest in Hunter around the league.

The Vikings are trying to walk a tightrope this season. They aren't necessarily rebuilding, but the front office has been careful not to do anything that will significantly impact their long-term salary cap.

Kirk Cousins restructured his deal for the 2023 season, but the Vikings didn't add any additional years to the contract. He's set to become a free agent next offseason.

Dalvin Cook, who was set to count $14.1 million against the cap this season, was released on June 9 after the team was unable to find a trade partner.

Fowler noted Minnesota has attempted give Hunter an extension, but "not on a long-term deal the player feels is commensurate with his skill set, sources said."

Hunter is entering the final season of his five-year, $72 million deal signed in June 2018. Thanks to a March 2022 restructure that converted an $18 million roster bonus into a signing bonus, he's only set to make $4.9 million in base salary this year.

Per Spotrac, Hunter's total cash earnings of $5.5 million in 2023 is tied with Dorance Armstrong of the Dallas Cowboys and Anthony Nelson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Hunter was named to the Pro Bowl last season after tying his career high with 22 tackles for loss and team-leading 10.5 sacks.