Post by BosViking on Jun 11, 2021 14:06:03 GMT -5
Q: Why aren't the Vikings signing more pass rushers? What does the pass rush and defensive end rotation look like if Hunter can't be counted on?
AK: The Vikings' offseason moves in stockpiling veteran cornerbacks Patrick Peterson, Mackensie Alexander, and Bashaud Breeland, gives off the appearance they're banking on Danielle Hunter showing up at some point. Really, Hunter doesn't have much leverage as a 26-year-old star pass rusher in his prime with three years remaining on his current contract while also coming off neck surgery.
AK: The Vikings' offseason moves in stockpiling veteran cornerbacks Patrick Peterson, Mackensie Alexander, and Bashaud Breeland, gives off the appearance they're banking on Danielle Hunter showing up at some point. Really, Hunter doesn't have much leverage as a 26-year-old star pass rusher in his prime with three years remaining on his current contract while also coming off neck surgery.
Follow the transactions: the most significant pass rusher the Vikings added this offseason is defensive end Stephen Weatherly, who has been standing in Hunter's place during spring practices as the left defensive end. That was for a fully guaranteed $500,000. Just six weeks ago, the front office added a third-round end in Patrick Jones II and a fourth-round end in Janarius Robinson. Those moves reflect the need for depth, not a team that's expecting to blink on moving on from its top pass rusher.
If/when Hunter reports, he'll lead a pass rush that's expected to feature him, Weatherly, and second-year edge D.J. Wonnum. One of the more intriguing training camp battles will be for roster spots behind them. Jones and Robinson could force out familiar names like Jalyn Holmes and Hercules Mata'afa.
If/when Hunter reports, he'll lead a pass rush that's expected to feature him, Weatherly, and second-year edge D.J. Wonnum. One of the more intriguing training camp battles will be for roster spots behind them. Jones and Robinson could force out familiar names like Jalyn Holmes and Hercules Mata'afa.
Q: Who will be the next free agent the Vikings sign?
AK: Defensive tackle Geno Atkins has made a lot of sense for a long time.
AK: Defensive tackle Geno Atkins has made a lot of sense for a long time.
Q: Has it ever been disclosed how Danielle Hunter injured his neck in the first place?
AK: All that has come out about the cause of Hunter's neck injury is what Mike Zimmer divulged in October after Hunter's surgery: "It was hardly anything. When we looked back at the [practice] tape, I don't know whatever it was, a week later [in training camp], it could have happened to anybody at any point." Zimmer made it sound like a freak injury in one of the non-padded training camp practices, the last of which Hunter participated in was Aug. 14. Zimmer would only call the herniated disc in Hunter's neck a "tweak" on Aug. 17 and again on Aug. 27. Thirteen days later, the team placed Hunter on injured reserve. It was Hunter who chose to get a second opinion from the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, and then decide to undergo season-ending surgery later the same month. After Hunter's operation, Zimmer defended his "tweak" comments by saying, "when it all started, [Hunter] woke up and thought he slept on his neck wrong, so that's why it was a tweak." But Zimmer wouldn't say when Hunter got the MRI that actually revealed it was a more significant injury.
AK: All that has come out about the cause of Hunter's neck injury is what Mike Zimmer divulged in October after Hunter's surgery: "It was hardly anything. When we looked back at the [practice] tape, I don't know whatever it was, a week later [in training camp], it could have happened to anybody at any point." Zimmer made it sound like a freak injury in one of the non-padded training camp practices, the last of which Hunter participated in was Aug. 14. Zimmer would only call the herniated disc in Hunter's neck a "tweak" on Aug. 17 and again on Aug. 27. Thirteen days later, the team placed Hunter on injured reserve. It was Hunter who chose to get a second opinion from the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, and then decide to undergo season-ending surgery later the same month. After Hunter's operation, Zimmer defended his "tweak" comments by saying, "when it all started, [Hunter] woke up and thought he slept on his neck wrong, so that's why it was a tweak." But Zimmer wouldn't say when Hunter got the MRI that actually revealed it was a more significant injury.
as wivikesfan argues.... without Hunter (one at 100%) we are a different team. If he's ineffective, we could be in trouble again...
think back to just how non-existent our pass rush was without Hunter last season....
unless you're going to sit there and with a straight face tell me that Wonnum with an extra offseason and 2 mid round rookies (plus a low-level FA signing/return of Weatherly) will be a major difference from last year? Note the word major. I'm not denying they might provide some improvement...... but anything significant without Hunter? I HIGHLY doubt it....
