Vikings Negotiations With Griffen Cooled Off

Nov 3, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) celebrates his sack against Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) in the second quarter Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) at AT

Ben Gossling at ESPN reported recently that recent negotiations between the Minnesota Vikings and defensive end Everson Griffen have been non-existant .

He delivered this news on Wednesday through his Twitter account.  Here is his tweet about it:

Griffen was the Vikings 4th round draft pick in 2010.  He was selected at #100 overall and developed into a situational and rotational pass rusher for the team.  In 2013, he was in on 717 defensive plays.  During that time, he graded out as the #19 4-3 defensive end according Pro Football Focus.

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) celebrates a run by the offense in the game against the Green Bay Packers at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Despite only making one NFL start, Griffen totaled 13.5 sacks over the last two years.

Griffen is a free agent this year who could seek a starting role in his next NFL season.  The Vikings reportedly did attempt to work out an extension with him during this season, but their idea on his value was quite different.  In fact, Griffen’s camp said that Minnesota’s offer “wasn’t in the ballpark”.

The Vikings would be wise to lock up Griffen to a long term deal and bookend him with current defensive end Brian Robison since it seems that Jared Allen will leave in free agency.

Minnesota can’t afford to let both Allen and Griffen walk unless they plan on using a high draft pick on another pass rusher.