Hellcats are loud.
When Danielle Hunter showed up to the Vikings' Eagan facility this spring, the Hellcat V8 engine in his Jeep Trackhawk SUV let the neighborhood know he'd arrived. After all, Hunter, a man of few words, mostly lets his presence (standing 6-5 outside of the Jeep) do the talking for him.
It's not surprising, then, that he has has made little noise about the fact he's entering a contract season.
Hunter has participated in every Vikings practice since the team reported voluntarily April 16. Now with Everson Griffen injured, Hunter is filling Griffen's role as the top edge defender during spring practices. Hunter said his focus is adding to his pass-rushing arsenal — and possibly to his collection of what is currently two cars.
"Eventually they're going to come out with the [Dodge] Ram with the same engine," Hunter said Tuesday. "Hopefully I'll be able to get that one, too."
In time, Hunter should have flexibility to buy whatever he wants.
The Vikings' fourth-year defensive end has solidified himself as the long-term bookend coaches envision opposite Griffen for seasons to come. Hunter has netted 26.5 sacks in three NFL seasons, the kind of production that makes many millions for edge defenders. He said he's not concerned with whether he's first, second or third on the Vikings' priority list as linebacker Anthony Barr and receiver Stefon Diggs also enter the final season of their contracts.
Holding out isn't a consideration, he said, adding that's not how he wants to conduct his business. Hunter is represented by the same agent as Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr., Elite Athlete Management's Zeke Sandhu. Beckham Jr. decided to skip Giants voluntary workouts this spring while entering his contract season.