Vikings Pushed to Add $35 Million DE, of the San Francisco 49ers.

The Minnesota Vikings’ top three pass rushers are headed to free agency this spring, and turnover seems inevitable. Bleacher Report’s NFL staff has suggested considering former NFL defensive end Chase Young as a solution for next season. Young spent the first three and a half years of his career with the Washington Commanders before the team traded him to the San Francisco 49ers for a third-round draft pick in late October. Minnesota could land some top linebackers this offseason. Given his age and potential, Young could be one of the best players at the position. While injuries have plagued much of his time in Washington, he’s been healthy for most of this season and had 6.5 sacks over the weekend, including half a sack in his debut in San Francisco. Even if the Vikings bring back DJ Wonnum, pairing him with Young could set them up for a great ride for years to come. Daniel Hunter’s running could be problematic for the Vikings.

Daniel Hunter is among the league leaders in sacks (12) and tackles for loss (16) as he tries to squeeze as much money as possible out of an outstanding contract year. Minnesota waived Hunter’s franchise rights when they reworked his contract this summer, meaning he will face significant attrition over several seasons if the Vikings hope to keep him. Marcus Davenport signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the New Orleans Saints in 2022 after poor performance. He has just two losses in four games this season and has struggled with injuries for most of the season. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Vikings decide to move him out of town in March.

Wonnum is second on the team with six sacks in 11 games and is entering the final season of his four-year, $4 million rookie contract. Wonnum’s level of production and potential price range could allow him to return as one of the Vikings’ best shortstops in 2024 and beyond.

Chase Young is trying to regain value in his resurgence season

Taking Hunter off the cards allows the Vikings to sign their best player in free agency. There may be arguments for and against Young’s player status, but the contract he signs next year may reflect his age (24) and considerable talent.

Young signed a four-year, $34.5 million rookie contract in 2020 after the Chiefs selected him second overall. Spotrac currently estimates Young’s market value at $13.6 million per year, but that value could increase if he continues to perform well in his rebound season.

According to Pro Football Reference, Young had 24 pressures, 12 QB hits, 10 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, four pass breakups and a touchdown on defense during his rookie season. He has 21 pressures, 12 QB hits and seven tackles for loss in nine games played in 2023.

Max Dible covers the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns and Golden State Warriors for Heavy.com. He covered local and national news as a reporter for West Hawaii Today and served as news director for BigIslandNow.com and Pacific Media Group’s Big Island family of radio stations before joining Heavy. Learn more about Max Dibble