Minnesota Vikings star defensive end Danielle Hunter is looking like his former self after missing the entire 2020 NFL season with a neck injury.
This good news for the Vikings comes just after the Vikings signed Danielle Hunter to a contract extension. It was a deal that was anticipated after several reports came out that Hunter was seeking a new contract that matched his production on the field.
Hunter showed up to practice immediately after signing his new contract. He is back with the Vikings as they move full speed ahead in quest of their first Super Bowl.
I saw him, you know, for the first time a couple days ago, I guess it was, He came up and gave me a big hug. It’s really hard to say. We weren’t sure he was obviously healthy until he came in and did his physical. He looks fantastic and should be ready to go. All the other stuff, the money part, and the contract, and all that. It’s out of my paygrade.
Mike Zimmer to the media NFL.com
In addition to Hunter returning from injury, the Vikings have made several impactful moves this offseason. They are heading to camp with a number of players they signed in free agency or are returning from injury or opts-outs during the 2020 season.
Who are these new and returning Minnesota Vikings players?
On the defensive line alone, the Vikings also added DT Michael Pierce (COVID opt-out), DT Dalvin Tomlinson (free agency), DT Sheldon Richardson (free agency), DE Stephen Weatherly (free agency).
For linebackers, they are adding Anthony Barr (injury), Eric Kendricks (injury), and Nick Vigil (free agent).
In the secondary, the Vikings enter 2021 with CB Patrick Peterson (free agent), CB Mackensie Alexander (free agent), CB Bashuad Breeland (free agent), CB Tye Smith (free agent), CB Amari Henderson (free agent) S Xavier Woods (free agent).
There were also several players added through the draft that will be thrown into the mix.
Zimmer continued saying:
It’s probably going to look completely different on the defensive side of the ball than it did last year, with the guys coming back and the additions that we made. So I am excited about that.
The Vikings face the Cincinnati Bengals in week 1 of the regular season. That means that their first opportunity to unleash their improved defense comes against second-year rising star Joe Burrow.
