Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson was hyped after seeing the team had reworked a deal with pass rusher Danielle Hunter.
The Minnesota Vikings are coming off an active offseason where they added a plethora of talent in free agency and the NFL Draft. But, they did have one huge question mark in star pass rusher Danielle Hunter, who was looking for a raise ahead of the 2021 season. With mandatory minicamp taking place this week, many were wondering if Hunter would hold out altogether until he got a new deal.
On Monday, reports indicated that the Vikings and Hunter agreed to terms on a reworked contract prior to the start of minicamp. Perhaps no one was more pumped about it than newest teammate and former Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson, who expressed his excitement on Twitter.
Vikings: Patrick Peterson ecstatic about Danielle Hunter’s restructured contract
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Vikings have turned $5.6 million of Hunter’s salary for the 2021 season into a signing bonus. Additionally, Hunter is owed a $18 million roster bonus on the fifth day of the 2022 league year, but that is an issue to tackle next year. The Vikings are focused on this upcoming season.
Hunter’s presence on the defensive side of the ball was sorely missed in Minnesota this past season, after the pass rusher missed the entire campaign due to a neck injury. The Vikings recorded a grand total of 23 sacks as a team last season, which ranked as the fifth-fewest in the NFL.
In 2019, Hunter recorded 70 total tackles (15 for loss), 22 quarterback hits, 14.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Additionally, Hunter recorded 36 quarterback pressures and 17 quarterback hurries, per Pro Football Reference.
The Vikings prioritized their defense this offseason by signing Peterson to shore up their secondary and former New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson to add pressure in the middle of the defensive line. With Hunter officially good to go for the 2021 season, the Vikings can now focus on their quest to return to the playoffs.