2018 was supposed to be a massive year for the Minnesota Vikings. They were so close to a Super Bowl the year prior, and added star quarterback Kirk Cousins in the offseason.

However, they struggled, mightily. Minnesota went just 8-7-1 and didn't even make the playoffs.

2019 was a nice bounce back year for the Vikings though. They went 10-6 and even managed to win a playoff game.

There are still some steps that need to be made though. And if they want to continue improving and end a season as the top dogs, Minnesota needs to make the right moves.

That includes bringing back defensive end Everson Griffen. And here's why.

The Vikings drafted Griffen all the way back in 2010, using a fourth-round pick on the defensive end. Since then, Griffen has been a staple of the team.

He has 74.5 career sacks, including eight last season. While you might argue that the 32-year-old isn't in his prime anymore, he certainly isn't slowing down much.

You could also argue his importance has dwindled with the emergence of Danielle Hunter. Hunter has racked up 14.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons, making him the biggest pass rushing threat on the defense.

However, Griffen still plays a vital role. Not only is it important to have multiple big-time pass rushers, but Griffen knows the ropes. He's been through it all and knows how to get through slumps, keep the momentum rolling and make the big play time-and-time again.

Griffen won't come cheap, but he also isn't going to break the bank. That will be important as the Vikings look to improve in other areas as well. There's always that chance he takes the “hometown discount” as well. And if that's the case, good luck getting similar production from someone who comes cheaper.

What's most valuable about Griffen is the locker room intangibles. He's a legitimate veteran of the team. He's been there since 2010. That means he's seen some great years and some miserable ones — disappointment and elation.

Griffen is a locker room leader who just so happens to be one of the better pass rushers in the NFL. That's something no team should want to give up.

Griffen's had at least 5.5 sacks in each season since 2012. In that time, he's been a menace to opposing quarterbacks, and made some nice plays at the line to bat down passes. He's also been a great run stopper while forcing quite a few fumbles in the process.

Griffen's also been a leader and one of the best players in the Minnesota locker room. Getting rid of him while you're poised to make a Super Bowl push seems foolish at best. Griffen will help on the field while being a constant positive presence. There is no real logical reason to let go of him.