Reason No. 3: Sack production doesn't show full picture
While sack production is a good stat to look at, the Chicago Bears shouldn't get swept away by that singular stat. When looking at the big picture, Hunter isn't the top-end player he's looking to be paid as.
I think Danielle Hunter is giving off some buyer beware vibes
— What’s your deal Ben Johnson? (@TommyK_NFLDraft) February 11, 2024
While he was 4th in sacks among Edges, he was
- 23rd in PR win %
- 32nd in pass rush productivity
- In a defense that schemes open free pressure and inflates sacks
I think he is still a good player but that is a… https://t.co/VbBEHmJclU
Under Brian Flores, the Vikings were the most blitz-heavy defense in the entire league. On 51.5% of defensive plays, the Vikings blitzed. If Danielle Hunter were brought to the Bears, he'd be going to a defense that blitzed 22.2% of the time, which is more than 50% fewer times than with Minnesota.
When a defense blitzes more frequently, that brings more potential snaps where Hunter is getting a free shot at the quarterback. With the Chicago Bears, that style of play isn't rewarded as frequently due to the lower blitz percentage.
With the other options available for the Chicago Bears at the edge position, breaking the bank for Danielle Hunter doesn't seem like the best idea possible. It's not a bad one, but it isn't the best.