Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the New York Giants in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Giants 27-24. ((Photo by David Berding/Getty Images))
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Vikings have mandatory mini camp Tuesday and Wednesday at TCO Performance Center, and at least one big name won’t be on the practice field.
We already know Dalvin Cook will not be in attendance after the Vikings released the veteran running back on Friday. Now, it appears standout defensive end Danielle Hunter will not be there. According to Tom Pelissero with NFL Network, Hunter is expected to skip mandatory camp as he and the Vikings have been unable to agree on a new contract.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Minnesota Vikings: Danielle Hunter skips camp
After releasing RB Dalvin Cook, DE Danielle Hunter is now saying he plans to skip the team’s mandatory minicamp in the hopes of getting a new contract.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Vikings Danielle Hunter to skip mandatory minicamp
Fox 9s Jeff Wald and Ahmad Hicks talk about Danielle Hunter's decision to skip mandatory minicamp at TCO Performance Center.
Late last week, reports emerged that the Vikings were fielding trade calls for Hunter. If he doesn't show up to mandatory mini camp, Hunter is subject to fines from the NFL and misses out on a $100,000 workout bonus.
Hunter has been absent throughout the team’s entire offseason workout program, not attending any of the Vikings’ organized team activities, which are voluntary. Hunter was drafted by the Vikings in 2015 out of LSU and became the fastest player in NFL history to amass 50 career sacks in his first five seasons.
Vikings release Dalvin Cook, 'will be pulling for him'
The Minnesota Vikings released Dalvin Cook on Friday, making the much-anticipated roster move official.
He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2018, 2019 and last season, when he finished with 10.5 sacks in 17 games. Hunter is due just $5.5 million this season, and wants a bigger pay day.
He missed the entire 2020 season after having surgery for a herniated disc in his neck, suffered during training camp. He played in seven games in 2021, then had his season come to an end due to a torn pectoral muscle.
Hunter has 71 sacks in 73 career starts with the Vikings, and had 14.5 sacks each in 2018 and 2019 before 10.5 this past season. Before the 2018 season, Hunter signed a five-year, $72 million deal with Minnesota.
We’ll see if the two sides can work out a deal before training camp, or if the Vikings try to find a trade partner.