NFL Trade Rumors: Vikings' Danielle Hunter to Falcons?

The Atlanta Falcons are looking for an upgrade at defensive end. Could they trade for Minnesota Vikings veteran Danielle Hunter?

The Minnesota Vikings have been unsuccessful in signing a contract extension with veteran defensive end Danielle Hunter ... and now the team is looking for other options.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Vikings are letting other teams know that Hunter is available in trade talks.

"The Vikings have evaluated trade options for Danielle Hunter in light of his ongoing unhappiness with his contract, with sources from multiple teams saying Minnesota has made the former Pro Bowler available," Fowler wrote.

The Atlanta Falcons could be a team interested in a Hunter trade. After Calais Campbell's injury and Eddie Goldman's retirement (again), the Falcons signed Justin Ellis and Kemoko Turay ... but Hunter would be an upgrade compared to them.

Hunter had 10.5 sacks and tied a career-high with 22 quarterback hits in 2022. Meanwhile, Atlanta only had 21 sacks as a team last season, which was the second-fewest in the NFL and only ahead of the Chicago Bears who had 20. Hunter would immediately add juice to a pass rush that desperately needs it. The three-time Pro Bowler has had double-digit sacks in four of his seven seasons with Minnesota, including 14.5 in 2018 and 2019. 

Campbell and defensive end Bud Dupree are the only other players on Atlanta's roster that has had over 10 sacks in a season. 

Hunter is entering the final year of his contract with the Vikings. A deal for the defensive end likely means Atlanta would have to negotiate a new contract. 

"Not only is Hunter worth the trade compensation, but he’s also worth the subsequent contract extension he’ll garner," Sports Talk Atlanta writes. "It would pair the Falcons' young pass rush with a proven commodity and turn this 2023 defensive front into one of the most menacing in the league."

If the Vikings are genuine in trying to trade Hunter, Atlanta should be one of the teams blowing up Minnesota's phone to acquire him. 

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