Vikings’ $13 Million Star Unlikely to Stay With Team, Insider Says
According to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson, the Minnesota Vikings are unlikely to re-sign highly sought-after free agency signing Marcus Davenport for the upcoming campaign.
In an interview with SKOR North’s “Mackey & Judd” podcast on December 19, Wolfson disclosed that the Vikings had an internal belief that Davenport, who has only participated in two complete games this season, would return from ankle surgery at a later date. His “desire” to participate even though his health isn’t 100% is currently in doubt, though.
Due to his lack of on-field production this season, Davenport’s days in Minnesota seem to be short, even though the Vikings signed him to a one-year, $13 million prove-it deal.
Marcus Davenport has been without a walking boot for about two weeks. Wolfson stated, “I don’t see any scenario where he is back in purple next year, but it sure would be nice to have him on the field at some point these last three games.” “I would have informed you two weeks prior that the Vikings anticipated his return by now.” Not even the announcement that the [practice] window will open has been made.
Marcus Davenport of the Vikings’ Inquiry to Play
Davenport, selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 14th overall pick in 2018, has always been a gifted player. Since 2018, Pro Football Focus has ranked Davenport as the top edge rusher free agent of 2023. His pass-rush win rate of 17.8% and pressure percentage of 13.9% rank him in the top 20 among edge defenders.
Nevertheless, the Saints decided not to re-sign Davenport last offseason due to concerns about his durability on the field. Davenport has only played 118 snaps this season with the Vikings, and he has never had more than 600 snaps in his career.
Durability is one thing, but Davenport’s willingness to play at any level while not at full health is dubious, according to Wolfson.
“There has been hope in the building for Marcus Davenport’s return for several weeks now,” Wolfson remarked. He has a motivation to participate. Even while he receives these incentives for being active, there are still some unanswered questions. It’s up to the gamer in the end. The desire to play is required. There are concerns around what the gamer wants.
$10 million in guarantees and an extra $2 million in game bonuses are part of Davenport’s contract.
Danielle Hunter says she “really likes” Minnesota; the Vikings should make her stay worthwhile.
Wolfson has insisted that Hunter “really, really likes” his circumstances in Minnesota, despite some criticism surrounding his several contract restructurings and recovery from neck surgery.
Hunter got a five-year, $72 million contract that he instantly outperformed after hitting his prime in 2018 and 2019, which his agency arranged as a terrible bargain. Over the last few offseasons, his agent has since fixed the deal with a number of contract restructures.
Hunter’s contract dilemma will come to an end this offseason when Minnesota chooses whether to resign him to a new contract or let him walk in free agency.
As the undisputed leader of the team’s defense and presently second in the NFL with 15.5 sacks this season, Hunter may drive a hard bargain. All of Hunter’s fond memories of Minnesota will probably be overshadowed if a potential team offers him a salary he can’t refuse—up to $25 million annually.
But Hunter might be willing to stay at a modest discount if the Vikings can match some of the offers he’ll receive in the summer.
