The former Minnesota Vikings pass rusher is still a free agent.
Since entering the NFL in 2010, Everson Griffen has never played for another team other than the Minnesota Vikings. Griffen has been a force for the Vikings during Mike Zimmer’s entire tenure as the team’s head coach, but there’s a chance that he won’t be on Minnesota’s roster when they take the field this season.
Despite training camp beginning for every team on Tuesday, the veteran pass rusher still hasn’t signed with anyone for the upcoming season.
At 32-years-old, Griffen is nearing the end of his pro career. But he should still have plenty in the tank to at least contribute to someone’s defense in 2020.
Mike Zimmer reveals unsurprising feelings about the former Minnesota Vikings defensive end
Anyone who’s followed the Vikings since Zimmer took over as the team’s head coach should know how much he has enjoyed having Griffen on his roster. One could probably say the same in regards to the pass rusher’s feelings about Minnesota’s head coach.
When meeting with members of the media on Saturday to talk about his recent contract extension, Zimmer was asked about the chances of the Vikings bringing back Griffen this year.
Just asked @Vikings Mike Zimmer if there’s any chance DE Everson Griffen (remains unsigned) comes back: “I don’t know. He texted me the other day telling me congratulations. I’d love to have him back. He’s always been one of my guys...
— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) July 25, 2020
Zimmer’s comments make it even more confusing as to why Griffen and Minnesota haven’t been able to reach an agreement on a new deal this offseason.
From the sounds of their head coach, it doesn’t seem like the Vikings wouldn’t want the veteran defensive end to return. So, what’s the holdup?
Sure, maybe Minnesota can’t offer Griffen the money he wants to make in 2020. But at this point, he shouldn’t be turning down any potential contracts if he wants to continue playing in the NFL this year.
If Griffen returned to the Vikings this season, it might not be as a starter and that is something else that could be preventing him from re-signing with the team who drafted him.
Minnesota seems committed to transitioning Ifeadi Odenigbo into their other starting defensive end and Griffen would likely be utilized more as a pass-rushing specialist if he suited up for the purple and gold in 2020.
Since he’s a little older, maybe Griffen is even looking to wait and sign with a team until after training camp is over. Who really knows at this point?
What we do know is that Zimmer would still love to have the veteran pass rusher as a member of the Vikings defense. Will Griffen be on Minnesota’s roster when they take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 this season?