Defensive end Everson Griffen spent the past decade causing disruption on the defensive line as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. Come 2020, he’ll be taking his four-time Pro Bowl talents to Dallas after signing a one-year, $6 million deal. In the wake of that decision, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer wasn’t focused on who was no longer in his locker room, saying:
“I’m happy for him. I hope it works out,” per Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Additionally, Zimmer had no comment on Griffen’s decision to make it all but known back in March that he had no interest in returning to the Vikings. In totality, the answers make it clear that Zimmer has moved past Griffen and is eyeing how to improve the defense without No. 97.
With 74.5 sacks amassed over the last 10 years, Griffen was a staple of the franchise. He now joins a defensive line in Dallas that is sure to terrorize the opposition alongside DeMarcus Lawrence, Dontari Poe, and Gerald McCoy.
Conversely, the Vikings will presumably turn to Ifeadi Odenigbo to fill in at the right defensive end slot that Griffen occupied. The former seventh-round pick played in all 16 games last season for Minnesota and compiled seven sacks, with the club hoping that his production can only grow with a more sustained role in defensive coordinator Alan Williams’ 4-3 defense.
The Vikings and Cowboys are slated to meet Nov. 22, which will serve as Griffen’s homecoming with the game scheduled to take place at U.S. Bank Stadium.
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