Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) celebrates his sack of the Green Bay Packers quarterback and a forced fumble in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports.
If the Minnesota Vikings win-loss record tumbles too far south in the next 17 days, the club could trade some high-profile players to prepare for next season and beyond.
That’s how it works in sports, as future draft capital can be procured if a team is going nowhere.
Arguably at the top of the list for this iteration of Minnesota Vikings is Danielle Hunter, a pass rusher turning 29 in a couple of weeks and one not financially attached to the organization after this season.
If Hunter is dealt, these four teams make the most sense for his services, ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most logical destination).
Current Starting EDGE Rushers: Darrell Taylor | Uchenna Nwosu
NFL Ranking in QB Pressures: 13th
Of all teams aspiring to become Super Bowl contenders, the Seahawks may need Hunter the most, at least per EDGE rushing talent.
Seattle’s defense ranks 14th leaguewide per EPA/Play through five weeks, and adding Hunter would assuredly kick that ranking closer to the Top 10. Too, the Vikings and Seahawks have always seemed to swap big-name players in the last couple of decades, and in that vein, Hunter would merely be the latest.
The Seahawks may not be at the top of pundits’ list of Super Bowl contendership, but they’re a really good football team that needs one more star-studded pass rusher.
Current Starting EDGE Rushers: Jadeveon Clowney | Odafe Oweh
NFL Ranking in QB Pressures: 20th
The Ravens frequently add high-profile players who feel like they dropped out of the sky. The Vikings sent Yannick Ngakoue to Baltimore three years ago, and Hunter could be the next installment.
Oweh, a young pass rusher, has missed the last four games due to injury but should return before too long. Regardless of his recovery prognosis, trading for Hunter would hedge the bet on Oweh’s rest-of-season availability.
And that goes without saying that Hunter would instantly become the Ravens top EDGE rusher.
Current Starting EDGE Rushers: Josh Allen | Travon Walker
NFL Ranking in QB Pressures: 8th
On paper, the Jaguars don’t need Danielle Hunter.
Yet, they’re reportedly interested in the soon-to-be 29-year-old. KSTP’s Darren Wolfson talked about Jacksonville’s Hunter interest this week on SKOR North’s Mackey and Judd Show, “I know this, Jacksonville has all sorts of interest in Danielle Hunter. What are they willing to offer? Can you complete that trade?”
We’ll trust Wolfson’s good word that Jacksonville is in the Hunter sweepstakes.
Current Starting EDGE Rushers: Shaquil Barrett | Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
NFL Ranking in QB Pressures: 22nd
As an outside linebackers coach in Tampa Bay, a man named George Edwards is employed. He was the Vikings co-defensive coordinator for six seasons, five of which Hunter was on his roster.
Suddenly, the Buccaneers exist in an unforeseen fight for the NFC South, when many would’ve laughed at the forecast two months ago. The Buccaneers could use one more EDGE rusher, and Hunter to Tampa Bay makes all the sense in the world, if only for a 12-game rental.
Tampa Bay can win the NFC South this year and see how the chips fall in the postseason for an upset or two. But they might need a little extra juice on the defensive edges to do it.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.