Jacksonville Jaguars land Pro Bowl DE Danielle Hunter: 3 trade proposals
The Jacksonville Jaguars' pass rush could use a boost ahead of the 2023 season. Although outside linebackers Josh Allen and Travon Walker are expected to improve, the Jags could use a veteran to round out their rotation.
Not long ago, head coach Doug Pederson didn't rule out the potential pursuit of a veteran down the road but they'd rather see what they've got in their young players before they consider getting outside help.
If the Jaguars change their mind, there are still some options available on the open market. Also, they could get on the phone with the Minnesota Vikings and inquire about the potential availability of Danielle Hunter. A third-round pick in the 2015 draft, Hunter has consistently shown a knack for rushing the passer, registering 71 sacks and seven forced fumbles over the last seven seasons.
Hunter is set to make $5.5 million in 2023 and in his search for a pay bump, he's missed the voluntary portion of offseason workouts. In the meantime, a market for the three-time Pro Bowl nod has reportedly materialized and the Vikes have been entertaining offers. They already traded Za'Darius Smith earlier this year and if they want to move Hunter before the start of the 2023 season, the Jags could swoop in and try to land him. Here are three proposals to make it happen.
3. The Jaguars give the Vikings a 3rd-round pick in exchange for Danielle Hunter
Jaguars trade Danielle Hunter No. 3
The Vikings are cleaning house and they'll probably try to clear as much cap space as possible and hoard as many draft picks as they can. Teams know that they want to unload Danielle Hunter, so they might not have much leverage in trade talks. Although the Jags are trying to save up money to pay their own players next season, they could bring in the former LSU Tiger on a one-year rental and give him a raise with the chance to hit the open market in 2023.
While the Jaguars could end up parting ways with a second-round pick if they re-sign wide receiver Calvin Ridley next offseason, parting ways with a third-round selection and giving Hunter a salary akin to the one Leonard Floyd or Frank Clark recently got might not be a steep price to pay if they can upgrade their pass rush rotation.