NFC North pass rush units ranked from worst to best in 2023

3. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are third in the rankings, and that's with star edge defender Danielle Hunter. Hunter could get traded this summer.

Minnesota already lost former Packers pass rusher Za'Darius Smith, who contributed 26% of the team's sacks last season. If Hunter also departs, they will have lost the pass-rush duo that accounted for 54% of their total sacks.

The Vikings brought in former first-round pick Marcus Davenport in free agency, but he made only 0.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits for the New Orleans Saints last season.

Hunter and Smith were crucial to the Vikings' defense, combining for 20.5 sacks. Minnesota will be in real trouble at edge rusher if it loses both in the same offseason, especially as it hasn't done enough to replace them.

Maybe the Vikings can work things out with Hunter. They need to. But time is running out with training camp just around the corner.

Even if the three-time Pro Bowler stays in Minnesota this season, there are still concerns for the Vikings. But if he gets traded or holds out, the pass rush will take a significant step back.

That would be great news for the rest of the NFC North, including the Packers' first-year starting quarterback Jordan Love.