Vikings OTAs have come and gone and star defensive end Danielle Hunter was nowhere to be found for the entire three-week, ten-practice period.
While Hunter not showing up was certainly notable — cornerback Jeff Gladney, who is involved in a serious ongoing legal investigation, was the only other player on the 90-man roster to be absent the whole time — it was also technically within the rules.
Things will start to get very interesting next week if Hunter continues to not report to TCO Performance Center.
Regardless, it would be a further indication that he’s digging in his heels about receiving a contract extension with a raise — or potentially seeking out a trade if the Vikings refuse.
When asked about Hunter on Thursday, Vikings defensive line coach and co-defensive coordinator Andre Patterson declined to comment.
KSTP insider Darren Wolfson reported this week that he’s heard from a source who doesn’t expect Hunter to attend minicamp, but he made a point to add that it’s a fluid situation that could change at any time.
The challenge for the two sides — Rick Spielman and Rob Brzezinski in the Vikings’ front office, and Hunter’s representation — is to figure out a deal that works for both sides, if the Vikings are even interested in such a thing.
Perhaps there’s a creative way to appease both parties, but that obviously hasn’t been discovered yet.