Matt Kalil is in the final year of his contract with the Minnesota Vikings, but defensive end Everson Griffen is helping to make the case for an extension.
The Minnesota Vikings seem unsure of the future of left tackle Matt Kalil. Although he had a very encouraging rookie season, the blindside protector failed to earn a long-term deal with the team. Now, he sits at the final year of his contract with the team.
With the clock ticking on Kalil, he needs to make the best impression possible on the team. The former first round draft pick has already planted his roots in Minnesota, opening a pizza shop called Pieology and taking part in several local charities.
One person who believes that Matt Kalil will be around for the long haul is defensive end Everson Griffen. A former teammate of Kalil’s at USC, Griffen is very familiar with Kalil and has been very impressed with what he’s seen from him so far this year according to the Pioneer Press.
"“I’ve seen (Kalil) mature, and this is the best I’ve ever seen him look,’’ Griffen said."
Griffen likely knows what he’s talking about. Not ever one to be known to keep his emotions or opinions in check, the star pass rusher goes head-to-head against Kalil on a daily basis, and feels the competition is making both of them better players.
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"“It’s been going great,’’ said Griffen. “He’s making me better and I’m making him better. It’s a great battle. Iron sharpens iron is what coach (Mike) Zimmer says.’’"
Of course, it will all come down to how Kalil performs during the regular season. Through two preseason games against tough opponents, the offensive tackle has held his own, but how he plays when it really counts will be the true test.
"“He’s doing a lot of great things. He’s going to hold down the left side for us this year. He’s going to do a great job for us. I know he will.’’"
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The future is still wide open for Matt Kalil with the Minnesota Vikings. The fact the team was willing to pick up the fifth year option on his rookie deal and pay him over $11 million for this season as a guaranteed salary means the team is hopeful he can make the left tackle position one of the cornerstones of the offensive line. And, if Everson Griffen is correct, Kalil appears to be on the right path to making that happen.