3 reasons why Everson Griffen decided to leave the Vikings

Chance to continue being a starter

Since the Vikings decided to make him a full-time starter in 2014, Everson Griffen has been lining up on the right end of the defensive line.

It’s hard to imagine the Cowboys will be looking to shift Griffen to the left side, so the former Minnesota pass rusher will probably be competing with Tyrone Crawford to be Dallas’ starting right defensive end.

Just having the chance to be a starter this season isn’t something that Griffen likely had with the Vikings. Minnesota has made it pretty clear all year that they are looking to shift Ifeadi Odenigbo into a starting role and this would have meant less playing time for Griffen if he chose to return to the Twin Cities.

For someone who has been a part of the Vikings starting defense for the last six seasons, it’s not difficult to understand why this was probably a hard pill for Griffen to swallow.

The veteran pass rusher just wanted a chance to compete for a starting job this year and it never sounded like he was going to get that opportunity if he remained in Minnesota.