Minnesota Vikings Awards Danielle Hunter With $72 Million, 5-Year Extension

Defensive specialist Danielle Hunter will be returning to the Minnesota Vikings after signing a luxurious $72 million contract extension on Wednesday, June 27.

The 23-year-old American football defensive end is set to receive an average salary of $14.4 million with $40 million going in guarantees while the other $15 million will serve as his signing bonus. The former third-round pick who was chosen by the Vikings in the 2015 National Football League draft has been doing wonders for his team in the past season, accumulating a total of 25.5 sacks in his career. Last season, Hunter had an average of 7.0 sacks and 27 tackles in 16 games played.

Team manager Rick Spielman said that Hunter earned the extravagant contract citing that the 6-foot-5 muscleman has improved throughout the years. In the last three seasons, Hunter has a brilliant stat line of 147 tackles, three forced fumbles, and two recoveries. Both Hunter and Everson Griffen has been the driving force of the Vikings in the defensive end with a combined total of 57 sacks in the past two years.

Hunter raised his game into another level two years ago with a career-best of 12.5 sacks. Hunter's new contract will expire in the 2023 NFL season.

"If he stays healthy and continues to develop and grow as a football player, I'm sure he'll get another opportunity to get another significant contract," Spielman reiterated.

Hunter spent his training in Houston but immediately flew to Minnesota to settle his contract extension with the team. The Jamaican native said that he feels motivated to be at his best after signing the deal. The former LSU star added that he is doing the best he can to be completely ready in the upcoming season.

Solid Future For The Vikings

After signing Hunter, the Vikings will now have a solid lineup heading in the next seasons. The team currently has 10 players under contract through the 2020 NFL season. Those players include Griffen, Xavier Rhodes, Kirk Cousins, Adam Thielen, Dalvin Cook, Riley Reiff, Harrison Smith, and Eric Kendricks who signed a $50 million deal.

Earlier last month, the Vikings picked up versatile cornerback Trae Waynes. The team is also expected to sign Anthony Barr and Stefon Diggs soon. Spielman hinted that he and Rob Brzezinski are now discussing with the agents of Diggs and Barr for possible contract extensions. The Vikings will open the curtains of its newest training facility, which is located in Eagan, on July 25