The Minnesota Vikings are open to re-signing defensive lineman Everson Griffen, according to Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com.
Griffen voided the remainder of his contract with the Vikings earlier this week, making him a free agent.
Cronin notes that Griffen, who restructured his deal with Minnesota last offseason, could ultimately return to the Vikings at a reduced price.
While Griffen may no longer be the dominant force he once was, he is still a very productive player and is coming off of a strong 2019 campaign in which he played 15 games and registered 41 tackles, eight sacks and an interception en route to a Pro Bowl appearance.
The 32-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of Southern California, was originally selected by Minnesota in the fourth round (100th pick overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft.
He appeared in 11 contests during his rookie season, logging 11 tackles in a limited role. The following season, Griffen showed some marked improvement, totaling 21 tackles and four sacks, and in 2012, he had a breakout year of sorts, recording 27 tackles, eight sacks, a pick, a couple of fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown.
Griffen then posted his first double-digit sack season in 2014, finishing with 58 tackles and 12 sacks, and in 2015, he earned his first Pro Bowl selection after tallying 44 tackles and 10.5 sacks.
He proceeded to make three straight trips to the Pro Bowl between 2015 and 2017, with his best season coming in 2017 when he racked up 45 tackles, 13 sacks and three forced fumbles.
The Vikings won 10 games and made it to the Divisional Round of the playoffs where they fell to the San Francisco 49ers this past season.
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