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It's been nearly four months since the NFL's free-agency period began, and Pro Bowl defensive end Everson Griffen still remains unsigned.
In a conference with media members on Saturday, Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer expressed that he would love to have him back on the team.
Just asked @Vikings Mike Zimmer if there’s any chance DE Everson Griffen (remains unsigned) comes back: “I don’t know. He texted me the other day telling me congratulations. I’d love to have him back. He’s always been one of my guys…
— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) July 25, 2020
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In February, Griffen voided the final three years of his contract with the Vikings to become an unrestricted free agent. However, the 32-year-old has struggled to sign with a team.
This past season with the Vikings, Griffen played phenomenal, recording 41 tackles, one interception, and 2 forced fumbles in 15 games. Furthermore, he was named to the Pro Bowl team for his fourth time in his career. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer even noted that Griffen's 2019 was the best he's ever had.
“I thought Everson played really well, especially early in the year,” Zimmer said in a recent interview with ESPN. “As we're going back through the cut-ups and watching some of the pass things, he's still a really good pass-rusher. There's that as far as on the field. Off the field, number one, he's got a great relationship with [co-defensive coordinator] Andre [Patterson]. He loves the guys here in the locker room, and I think he understands that we're going to do the best for him all of the time.”
Nevertheless, during the conference call on Saturday, Zimmer made it clear that he would want Griffen back on the team. However, Griffen will obviously have to take a pay cut to make the reunion happen again.
