Why Everson Griffen deserves right to decide own NFL future
By Dean Jones
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen has earned the right to decide his own future after a standout career in the NFL.
Everson Griffen has been a fine performer for the Minnesota Vikings throughout his career and he deserves the right to determine his own future.
The standout defensive end has reportedly opted out of his current deal with the Vikings after hitting all the necessary targets during the 2019 campaign. He will now head into the free-agent market and decide for himself which option suits him best during his final few years in the NFL.
There is still a chance he ends up back with the Vikings in 2020. But Griffen now has the option to go and play for a team more capable of lifting the Vince Lombardi trophy next season. This is something he will deliberate carefully during the next few weeks once all the contract offers have been made.
Given the amount of money Griffen has made in his career to date, one would think his upcoming decision is not going to be based purely on finances. He has bet on himself by giving up around $13 million to possibly move elsewhere and his play last season is any indication, there is still plenty more in the tank.
Losing a player of Griffen’s stature would be a blow for Minnesota. The team kept faith with the pass-rusher during his recent personal problems and they might be looking for similar loyalty from him during negotiations, should they arise.
Whether Griffen returns to the Vikings this year or he signs with another team, there are a number of reasons why the defensive end has earned the right to pick who he will be suiting up for next season.