Cost Not An Issue: Vikings Nearing Deal To Bring $20 million Edge Rusher

In many respects, re-signing edge rusher Danielle Hunter is more important to the Minnesota Vikings than figuring out what to do with quarterback Kirk Cousins.

If the Vikings don’t bring Hunter back into the fold, they are without their best defensive player and the only pass rusher on the team that can consistently get to opposing quarterbacks. Hunter is a magnificent athlete, and more importantly, a great football player.

He finished the 2023 season with 16.5 sacks, and that was 5^th in the league behind T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers (19.0), Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals and Josh Allen of the Jacksonville Jaguars (17.5) and Khalil Mack of the Los Angeles Chargers (17.0).

The only other Vikings defensive player to have any impact in the sack department was linebacker D.J. Wonnum with 8.0 QB traps. No other Minnesota player had more than 3.0 sacks last year, and that’s a huge problem. If the Vikings lose Hunter when the new league year starts March 13, defensive coordinator Brian Flores will not have one of the most impactful defensive players in the league.

No matter how creative Flores is at building schemes that confuse opposing offensive coordinators and quarterbacks, it won’t matter because they won’t have enough quality to slow down talented and productive offensive players.

Flores had a huge impact last season as the Vikings ranked 16^th in yards allowed. They had been 31^st in 2022 and had been similarly awful in the two years before that. While the defense had some issues in the final weeks of the season, the Vikings finally had a pulse on that side of the ball.

If they lose Hunter – and you can be sure the salary-cap rich Chicago Bears will pursue him – the Vikings will not have any defensive identity. Harrison Smith has too many years on him at this point and can’t cover the ground he once did. The Vikings received solid production from safeties Cam Bynum (team-leading 137 tackles, 9 passes defensed) and Josh Metellus (116 tackles, 4 forced fumbles), but how will that duo perform if Hunter is not creating havoc in the offensive backfield.

Join Tyler Forness on The Real Forno Show as he explores potential strategies for the Minnesota Vikings, with a focus on the future of Justin Jefferson. Discussing possible trades, NFL draft implications, and the impact on the team’s new quarterback, this episode provides an in-depth look into the Vikings’ future. SKOL Vikings!

In the latest episode of The Real Forno Show, we tackle a highly debated question swirling around the Minnesota Vikings community: What should the team do with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson? The rumor mill, fueled by speculation from sports commentators like Colin Cowherd and Mike Florio, suggests a possible trade of Jefferson to the New England Patriots. Our host, Tyler Forness, dives into this possibility and its potential implications in a comprehensive manner.

Hypothetical Scenario: Trading Jefferson

To fully understand the potential outcomes, we decided to conduct a mock draft exercise for the Vikings under the premise of trading Jefferson. This isn’t an endorsement of the trade but an exploration of the potential ripple effects such a move could have on the team and its future.

Trading Up in the Draft

The mock draft exercise revealed that the Vikings could trade up in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. The rationale behind this move would be to secure their future quarterback. This idea leads to the question: Could Jefferson, their current breakout star, be the key to this strategy?

The Mock Draft Selections

The mock draft, conducted using the PFF simulator, had the Vikings making a variety of selections. From North Carolina’s Tyler Davis to South Dakota State’s Isaiah Davis, the draft explored a range of potential recruits for the team. Each selection was analyzed in detail, providing insights into their possible contributions and fit within the team’s existing roster.

Potential Aftermath of the Trade

The show dove deep into the potential repercussions of trading Jefferson, an undeniable force on the field, to the New England Patriots. This proposed trade wouldn’t be a simple player exchange; it would be for a third overall pick in the draft. The discussion scrutinized the implications of such a move from multiple angles, including roster impact, draft strategy, and long-term team prospects.

The Potential Returns: Examining the Trade-Off

In addition to the strategic implications, the show also analyzed the potential returns from this speculated trade. The question arises: What could the Vikings get in return for Jefferson, and how would this impact their new quarterback? This part of the discussion delved into the pros and cons of various scenarios, providing a holistic view of the potential outcomes.

The Results:

The Final Verdict: The Case Against the Trade

Despite the detailed exploration of the potential trade, the consensus on the show is clear: While the trade is indeed a possibility, the Vikings would be much better off keeping Justin Jefferson for the long haul. The idea to trade him was explored not as a personal recommendation, but as a strategic exercise to understand the potential outcomes better.

The Real Forno Show: A Deep Dive into Vikings Strategy

The Real Forno Show, hosted by Tyler Forness, is a treasure trove of insights into the Minnesota Vikings’ strategies and potential moves. Each episode provides detailed analysis, expert opinions, and the latest news and updates. This episode is no exception, offering a comprehensive look into the current debates surrounding the Vikings’ future.