49ers Expected to Sign 4-Time Pro Bowler from the Vikings to Take Chase Young’s Place
A star player from the Minnesota Vikings could strengthen the defensive base that the San Francisco 49ers have built around their outstanding defensive line play. Even though the defensive line already has a wealth of talent, there will still be gaps to be filled.
More specifically, the 49ers need to find ways to replace Randy Gregory and Chase Young. Although they were added as pass-rushing reinforcements, the two are free agents. John Fields of Pro Football Network suggests that San Francisco should target Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter as a potential solution.
Fields wrote on February 25 that “bringing in another legitimate edge rusher could certainly help in that regard, and Hunter has certainly proven capable of playing to that level throughout his eight-year career.” “Although Hunter, who is 29 years old and unlikely to get any younger, may experience some regression back to the mean, the 49ers may find his consistent output appealing if they decide to part ways with the inconsistent Young.”
Hunter appears to be a huge improvement on paper. Fields does advise caution, but Hunter’s high ceiling and floor seem like safe bets.
Vikings’ Hunter’s Best Season Yet
Hunter was already established as a premier edge rusher going into 2023. Even though the former LSU Tiger has now exceeded the 10-sack threshold five times, 2023 was a step up for him.
In 17 starts, Hunter recorded 16.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles, per Pro Football Reference. In addition, he recorded the most tackles for loss in the NFL with 23 and added two passes defensed.
As has been the case for the majority of his career, Hunter was perhaps a snub for a spot on the second team All-Pro. The Vikings DE has actually only been selected to the All-Pro second team once in his professional career, and that was in 2019.
The only thing that could deter any team from pursuing Hunter in the offseason is his history of injuries. Hunter missed the whole 2020 season due to a neck injury, but he started every game in 2022 and 2023. He had to miss ten games in 2021 because of a torn pectoral muscle.
49ers Will Need to Pay Hunter’s Cost
After having the best NFL season to date, Hunter will be vying for the largest salary. As players get closer to their 30s, it’s crucial that they cash out, and Hunter is about to reach that age.
Spotrac anticipates paying Hunter $60 million over three years. It’s a reasonable and perhaps even optimistically low projection, given that he recently played on a contract worth $17 million per season.
San Francisco lacks the necessary cash up front. When the league season begins, the 49ers are expected to have $6.1 million in cap space. They’ll have to cut players or rework contracts in order to make room for Hunter.
Contracts like those of DT Arik Armstead and WR Deebo Samuel come to mind when thinking about restructurings, which would be ideal. In 2024, both are expected to earn nearly $28.5 million, but extensions or reworks could swiftly offset those cap hits.
The 49ers would be making a statement if they added Hunter. However, it won’t be inexpensive, and setting it up would involve several more steps.
