The Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday secured a key member of the defensive line for the future.
The Vikings and defensive end Danielle Hunter agreed to terms on a five-year, $72 million contract extension with $40 million in guarantees and a $15 million signing bonus, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
The Vikings later .
"I was shaking with excitement," Hunter about what he was feeling before signing the extension. "I was like, 'Is this real?'
"My body was just doing it, and I didn't even realize I was doing it coming in here. I feel like it's an important day for my family and I, and the team. I'm really excited about it."
Since joining the Vikings in 2015 as a third-round pick out of LSU, the 6-foot-5, 252-pound Hunter has developed into a reliable defender off the edge.
Over the past three seasons, Hunter has totaled 147 tackles (91 solo tackles) and 25.5 sacks to go along with 36 tackles for a loss, 125 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Hunter and Everson Griffen have combined for 57 sacks since 2015, a total that ranks as the second-most by any pair of teammates during that span.
With Hunter locked up with a contract extension, the Vikings can now divert attention to outside linebacker Anthony Barr, who enters the final year of his contract.
