Marcus Davenport is a valued free agency signing that the Minnesota Vikings are unlikely to re-sign for the upcoming year, according to Darren Wolfson of KSTP.
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 if his health isn’t 100% is now 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.
Vikings’ Marcus Davenport’s Desire to Play in Question
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 best 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 summer 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 concerns. It’s up to the gamer in the end. The desire to play is required. There are concerns around what the gamer wants.
Davenport’s contract includes $10 million in guarantees with an additional $2 million in per-game bonuses.
Danielle Hunter ‘Really Likes’ Minnesota, Vikings Should Make it Worth His While to Stay.
Wolfson has maintained that despite some scrutiny surrounding his perennial contract restructures and return from neck surgery, Hunter “really, really likes” his situation in Minnesota.
Hunter’s agent brokered a bad deal when he signed a five-year, $72 million contract that he outplayed immediately after entering his prime in 2018 and 2019. His agent has since remedied the deal with a series of contract restructures over the past few offseasons.
This offseason will be the final saga of Hunter’s contract drama when Minnesota decides whether to re-sign him to a new deal or allow him to walk in free agency.
Hunter could push a hard bargain, currently second in the NFL with 15.5 sacks this season as the definitive leader of the team’s defense. If a prospective team blows Hunter away with a contract he can’t refuse (upwards of $25 million a year) it will likely trump all of Hunter’s warm feelings for Minnesota.
But if the Vikings can get close to some of the offers he’ll garner in the offseason, Hunter could be inclined to stay at a slight discount.
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