The Minnesota Vikings wrapped up the regular season with a dismal stretch, losing six out of their last seven games, and it seems more disappointment looms for the team’s disillusioned fan base.

ESPN’s Aaron Schatz predicted on January 7 that the Vikings will part ways with outside linebacker Danielle Hunter, despite his exceptional performance as one of the NFL’s most formidable and disruptive pass-rushers in 2023.

“Despite a career-best season of 16.5 sacks, the Vikings are likely to let go of edge rusher Danielle Hunter due to his hefty cost as he enters his age-30 season, probably exceeding $20 million per year,” Schatz noted. “General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah aims to rejuvenate the defense with younger talents.”

Losing Hunter comes as a tough blow, given his stellar year. Not only did he notch 16.5 sacks, but he also led the league with 23 tackles for loss, racked up 40 QB pressures, and landed 22 QB hits, according to Pro Football Reference. Hunter secured a well-deserved Pro Bowl spot for the second consecutive season and the fourth time in six years, missing out only in 2020 due to a neck injury and in 2021 following a torn pectoral.

Approaching 30 and entering his 10th NFL season, Hunter might be viewed as costly for a long-term deal, especially for analytics-driven decision-makers like Adofo-Mensah, who prioritize building rosters with an eye on the future. However, Hunter’s track record of minimal injury woes and continued high-level performance suggests he may defy typical aging concerns seen in veteran players.

The Vikings’ handling of Hunter’s contract has potentially been a misstep. They could have secured him to a multiyear deal earlier, which would have mitigated current negotiations. Instead, they restructured his contract into a one-year $17 million deal in 2023. Their reluctance to shop Hunter before the trade deadline also cost them an opportunity to capitalize on his high value, especially after quarterback Kirk Cousins’ injury further dimmed the team’s prospects.