The Minnesota Vikings and Everson Griffen agreed to let him test free agency earlier this offseason. But with Griffen still available in free agency, Vikings GM Rick Spielman spoke about the possibility of a reunion with Griffen.
“It is hard to say right now where everything is at and where we are at, [but] until things become more normalized I will never say never on a player,” Spielman said, via ProFootballTalk. “I know it will be very hard on a salary cap standpoint. I don’t want to get into the business side of it, but right now I know where our roster is.”
Prior to the 2020 NFL Draft, the Vikings left the door open for Griffen to possibly re-sign with the team. However, after taking D.J. Wonnum and Kenny Willekes in the draft, that is a less likely option now. Nonetheless, Spielman refuses to say that Minnesota won't bring him back next season.
As a fourth-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Griffen became a full-time starter for the Vikings in 2014. Altogether, in his six seasons as a starter, Griffen amassed 57 sacks, 65 tackles for loss, and seven forced fumbles. Just this past season, the USC product proved that he still has something left in the tank at 32 years old, notching eight sacks.
Seeing that Minnesota is limited financially, they had to make some tough decisions this offseason — including the choice to move on from Griffen. Despite their limited resources though, the Vikings aren't ready to officially say they've broken up with Griffen. Depending on his asking price, Griffen could find himself back in purple next season.