Report: Multiple teams looking to acquire former LSU football star Danielle Hunter

The Minnesota Vikings are the next NFL franchise rumored to make a major change this offseason. While there has been no mention of a possible trade, one NFL reporter’s sources suggest that Vikings defensive lineman Danielle Hunter is likely to be on the move. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Hunter’s contract would be the reason Minnesota moves on from their star.

“Multiple teams have inquired about the trade availability of Pro Bowl DE Danielle Hunter, per sources. While the Vikings aren’t believed to be actively shopping Hunter, multiple execs believe he’s available due to cap issues ($15.7M over), Hunter’s $18M roster bonus due March 20,” wrote Fowler via Twitter.

Hunter’s 2021 campaign was cut short after he suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the Vikings’ Halloween night loss to the Dallas Cowboys. At the time of his injury, he was tied for 10 in the NFL in sacks with six. Hunter has displayed in the past how dangerous he is coming off the edge. In back-to-back seasons, 2018 and 2019, Hunter recorded a team-high 14.5 sacks. That level of production earned him a Pro Bowl selection in both years.

Mel Kiper likes Stingley to the Vikings

Former LSU Tigers cornerback Derek Stingley Jr is one of the most polarizing players in the 2022 NFL Draft. Stingley dealt with injuries throughout the past year. And that has resulted in a bit of a fall in his draft stock. ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper released his updated mock on Tuesday. In his newest Mock, he sees Stingley going 12th overall to the Minnesota Vikings.

Minnesota is in need of upgrades in the secondary, especially at corner. Stingley might have some concerns, but when at his best, he has shown that he has tremendous potential.

“New general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell inherit an aging defense from a front office that has had some notable first-round misses at cornerback in recent years, but that shouldn’t keep them from taking another swing,” Kiper said. “This is the position Minnesota needs most, and Stingley could be worth it.”

The Vikings have a new regime after moving on from head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman. Now, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah takes over as general manager and Kevin O’Connell, who just won a Super Bowl as the Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator, takes over as head coach. Stingley has tremendous upside, so he could be an attractive option for the Vikings in the NFL Draft.