Vikings not closing the door on a reunion with Everson Griffen

Everson Griffen might be exploring his options in free agency but it isn’t impossible that he could return to the Minnesota Vikings for the 2020 NFL season.

The Minnesota Vikings were active in the 2020 NFL Draft when it came to getting pass rushers. Not only did they select South Carolina’s D.J. Wonnum to develop as a defensive end but they also added Michigan State’s Kenny Willekes to have even more talent at the position.

Those draft picks seemed to signal the end of any hope for the return of Everson Griffen to the team. While Griffen is still a free agent looking for a team to call home, the chances of him coming back to Minnesota decreased.

However, there still seems to be a chance a reunion could happen. At least that is how it sounds according to Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman in an article shared by Pro Football Talk:

"“It is hard to say right now where everything is at and where we are at, [but] until things become more normalized I will never say never on a player,” Spielman said. “I know it will be very hard on a salary cap standpoint. I don’t want to get into the business side of it, but right now I know where our roster is.”Spielman then added this caveat: “But your roster is never set.”"

While those words aren’t quite encouraging to fans who want to see Everson Griffen wear purple and gold in 2020, it does keep the door open enough to keep hope alive. The Vikings lost several experienced NFL starters this offseason and having a four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher back on the roster would bring at least some stability back to the defense.

Of course, the biggest issue facing the Vikings has to be the salary cap. Minnesota will have to be smart with the little money they have left and, unless they make some more deals, signing a player to a bigger contract will be a real challenge.

There is also the case of other teams having interest. A pass rusher with the skills of Everson Griffen isn’t likely to not have many suitors. There are reports the Seattle Seahawks are interested in bringing him in to replace Jadeveon Clowney, but no deal has been completed yet.

Whether or not Everson Griffen returns to the Minnesota Vikings for the 2020 NFL season will need to be seen, but at least fans who want to see the two make a deal happen can keep some sliver of hope alive.