Following a challenging 2023 season marked by the loss of star quarterback Kirk Cousins to a season-ending injury, the Minnesota Vikings are actively working to revamp their roster for the upcoming campaign. Despite retaining Danielle Hunter during the previous offseason, the current offseason presents a starkly different situation for the veteran player.
There’s been talk about a big name defensive lineman possibly being traded, and the San Francisco 49ers are rumored to be interested in bringing him on their team.
Danielle Hunter on 49ers’ wish list
The 49ers are reportedly setting their sights on top-tier pass rushers, and Danielle Hunter emerges as their primary target to complement Nick Bosa. As the 49ers strategically gear up for free agency, their focus is on securing impactful players to bolster their roster, with a keen emphasis on acquiring a dominant edge rusher opposite Nick Bosa.
The team has been on the lookout for a suitable replacement for Dee Ford over the past three years, and the Vikings star stands out as the solution to fortify their defensive lineup. It’s believed that he could be the missing piece to elevate the 49ers’ defense to an exceptional level.
Meanwhile, Hunter’s track record includes at least 10.5 sacks and/or 20 quarterback hits in four of his last five seasons, making him an appealing target for teams seeking edge help.
In a statement, the player hinted at his openness to joining any NFL team during Pro Bowl games, signaling a willingness to explore new opportunities following his time with the Vikings.
“Just letting everything play its course. 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.”
With ample cap space and future flexibility, the 49ers are well-positioned to make significant moves in free agency and grab Hunter to get rid of their last season’s nightmare, which let them be a target of the “Kirk Cousins Curse”.
Danielle Hunter’s previous season performance
Danielle Hunter had a standout season in 2023, as he amassed an impressive total of 16.5 sacks throughout the season, per ESPN. With 54 solo tackles to his name, he also demonstrated his prowess not only as a pass rusher but also as a reliable presence in stopping ball carriers in their tracks.
As a third-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Hunter has exceeded expectations and established himself as a key contributor for the Vikings. Over the past two regular seasons, he has accumulated a total of 27 sacks.
The defensive lineman also remained focused on team achievements, having been part of four playoff teams under two different head coaches during his tenure with the Vikings. His consistent performance has been instrumental in the team’s success and positions him as a valuable asset moving forward.
It will remain to be seen where the veteran player gets a chance to prove his athleticism in the upcoming season.
