The Minnesota Vikings selected Danielle Hunter from LSU in the 3rd round (88th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft. At the time, he was recognized more for his exceptional physical attributes than his performance in college.
Upon joining the Vikings, Hunter found himself amidst a formidable defensive line led by Mike Zimmer, featuring stars like Everson Griffen, Linval Joseph, and Brian Robison. In this environment, he flourished and evolved into one of the most successful day-2 draft picks in Vikings history.
However, at the age of 29, Hunter has decided to embark on a new chapter in his NFL career. He will join the Houston Texans on a lucrative 2-year, $49 million contract, with $48 million guaranteed. This substantial deal ensures him an average of nearly $25 million per season, with all guaranteed money upfront. Remarkably, he will still be a free agent at just 31 years old.
Notably, the Vikings also reached an agreement with former Texan Jonathan Greenard, effectively swapping pass rushers during the negotiation period.
During his time with the Vikings, Hunter played 119 games, starting in 90 of them. He has amassed an impressive total of 87.5 sacks, placing him 3rd in Vikings history behind John Randle and Chris Doleman. Jared Allen follows closely behind with 85.5 sacks.
Hunter’s contributions extended beyond pass rushing; he demonstrated versatility and discipline in run defense under Zimmer’s guidance. Despite a slight decline in his Pro Football Focus (PFF) defensive grade in 2023, dropping below 80 for the first time since 2018, he has generally maintained high performance levels throughout his career.