NFL Rumors: Vikings' Danielle Hunter to Have 'Very Strong' Market; Bears, Jags Linked

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter is expected to have several interested suitors in free agency.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Hunter will have a "very strong market" that could include the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars. The Bears are reportedly "very high" on Hunter as they look for a pass-rusher to complement Montez Sweat on the defensive line.

Hunter had a career year in 2023, racking up 16.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in 17 games.

The 29-year-old also totaled 22 quarterback hits and 83 combined tackles, while his 23 tackles for loss were tied with Las Vegas Raiders pass-rusher Maxx Crosby for the highest mark in the league.

Fowler noted that Hunter received interest from several teams ahead of the trade deadline, meaning that it could be "hard for the Vikings to keep" the former third-round pick. His consistency has likely also enticed opposing front offices, as he's surpassed 10 sacks in five of his past seven seasons.

Hunter acknowledged the possibility of playing elsewhere when speaking to Grant Gordon of NFL.com on Feb. 2.

"Just letting everything play its course," said Hunter. "I did my job. Everything's in my agent's hands and my team -- and whomever it is that's out there. My job, like I said, is to do my job. And I'm gonna make sure I stay in shape and whatever is best available for me, I'll take that."

The Jaguars also make sense as a possible landing spot for the eight-year veteran, as Jacksonville narrowly missed the playoffs in 2023. One of the culprits for the disappointing season was the lack of a consistent pass rush outside of Josh Allen and Travon Walker, as no other player on the team's defense was able to record four sacks.