The San Francisco 49ers’ defence is founded on outstanding DL performance, and they might strengthen that foundation with a Minnesota Vikings star. While there is currently a lot of skill on the defensive line, there will be gaps to fill.
Specifically, the 49ers must figure out how to replace Chase Young and Randy Gregory. The two were brought in as pass-rushing reinforcements but will become free agents. According to Pro Football Network’s John Fields, one possible answer is for San Francisco to pursue Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter.
“Adding a second bona fide edge rusher could certainly help in that regard, and Hunter has certainly proven capable of playing to that level across his eight-year career,” Fields said in a Feb. 25 letter. “Although some regression back to the mean is likely for Hunter, who is not getting any younger at 29 years old, adding his dependable production could be attractive to the 49ers if they look to move on from the up-and-down Young.”
On paper, Hunter appears to be a significant boost. And, while Fields advises care, Hunter’s high floor and ceiling seem like safe bets.
Hunter has his best season yet with the Vikings.
Hunter has already established himself as a top-tier edge rusher by the year 2023. The former LSU Tiger has now recorded 10 sacks in five different seasons, but 2023 was a step up even for him.
Hunter started 17 games and recorded 16.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles, according to Pro Football Reference. Furthermore, he led the NFL with 23 tackles for loss and two passes defensed.
Hunter was arguably overlooked for a second-team All-Pro spot, as has been the case for the majority of his career. In fact, the Vikings defensive end has only been chosen to the All-Pro Second Team once in his career, in 2019.
Hunter’s injury history is the only likely source of concern for any team interested in him this offseason. Hunter started every game in 2022 and 2023, but had a neck injury that sidelined him for the entire 2020 season. In 2021, he missed ten games due to a torn pectoral.
49ers Will Have To Pay Up For Hunter.
Hunter, who recently had the best season of his NFL career, will be aiming for the highest possible money. It’s critical for players to cash out as they enter their 30s, and Hunter is right on the verge.
Spotrac anticipates a three-year, $60 million contract for Hunter. Given that he recently signed a contract for $17 million a season, it’s a reasonable, if perhaps optimistically low, projection.
San Francisco does not have that money up front. The 49ers are expected to have $6.1 million in cap space when the league year begins. In order to sign Hunter, they will need to restructure contracts or release players.
Restructures would be excellent, as would contracts for DT Arik Armstead and WR Deebo Samuel. Both are expected to earn around $28.5 million in 2024, but those cap impacts might be lessened rapidly through extensions or reworks.
Adding Hunter would be a bold move for the 49ers. However, it will not be inexpensive, and it will necessitate a number of additional steps to be completed.
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