First Move of the Off-Season

Maybe I should have said the last staff "needed" him back. They didn't really bet anything - their jobs were on the line and needed a big performance from Hunter. Maybe they needed more than any single player could have provided.

I hope you are right about this injuries being unrelated. Maybe so, but some players do slide into a "can't stay healthy" state. I don't really believe they "get jinxed" or something, but I think teams don't report everything that ails them and we don't hear connecting issues. Maybe there is no reason to doubt his health - but then why would anyone be seriously proposing a trade for a 2nd-round pick?


So maybe the key question should be, "How does Danielle Hunter think he would do in a 3-4 defense?"

I guess I look at it in terms of offseason decisions. Doing nothing is a decision. So is indecision for that matter.

Unfortunately you are right. I know Hunter, when health is our superstar, the thought of losing Harry the Hitman almost brings me to tears. But Mensah has to do what makes this team the best in the NFL. Trading Cousins and his cap would be the perfect starting move for Mensah to make, but we cant get rid of Zimmer, Ricky and Cousins, Im not allowed to be that happy.

Not a bad idea, until we can draft and teach a rookie QB. One that isnt afraid of his own shadow. But by all means, continue being a Cousins Crusader.

Honestly, Hunter is a game changer and generational talent. You fit the scheme to a player like Hunter.

I want to keep an open mind on our new coaching staff, but I'll be honest in that if this is the reason Hunter is not on the team next year, that's a major strike against them in my opinion.

I really can't disagree with you using "proof" about Hunter. But there have been some players the Vikings should/could have traded while they still had value, even though there were already warning signs that they were on the downside, but held onto them and got nothing: Adrian Peterson, Xavier Rhodes, Anthony Barr, Harrison Smith just top of mind. It just feels like Hunter will be another - we'll keep him, and in a year or two all think, "We should have taken what we could get for him in 2021 or 22". Of course he is younger than all the guys I mentioned, so again the only doubt is his health.

Hunter's own opinion is a big part - as I said above, "How does he feel he fits in a 3-4?" He would probably be fine, but OTOH - why should he gamble that he will produce in this scheme? He KNOWS he fits in a 4-3 base and there are a bunch of teams that would pay him to play in theirs. If he takes some time to adjust in 2022, his stats will be down and he might be aiming for another contract or extension after this season.