Everson Griffen is on his way back to the NFC North

The former Minnesota Vikings pass rusher has been traded to the Detroit Lions.

On Monday, news came out that the Dallas Cowboys were looking to deal former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen before this year’s trade deadline on November 3.

With the Vikings in need of pass-rushing help, there was some thought that Griffen could potentially return to the Twin Cities. But that isn’t what ended up happening.

On Tuesday, the former Minnesota pass rusher found out that he is heading back to the NFC North after the Cowboys agreed to a trade with the Detroit Lions. In exchange for Griffen, the Lions sent Dallas a conditional   2021 sixth-round draft pick.

When will the Minnesota Vikings face Everson Griffen this season?

Due to the current NFL protocols related to the COVID-19 virus, Griffen won’t be suiting up for Detroit this Sunday when they take on the Indianapolis Colts.

He should be eligible to play for the Lions by Week 9 when they head out on the road to take on the Vikings. That’s right, Griffen’s first time in a Detroit uniform will likely come inside Minnesota’s U.S. Bank Stadium.

The veteran pass rusher is the latest former Vikings player to be added to the Lions’ current roster. With Detroit, Griffen will re-unite with former Minnesota players Adrian Peterson and Jayron Kearse.

During his seven games with the Cowboys this season, the former Vikings pass rusher accumulated 20 tackles (three for a loss), 14 pressures, six quarterback hits, and 2.5 sacks. Griffen is joining a Lions defense that currently has the third-fewest sacks in the NFL (eight).

So after spending the last few years going up against Vikings left tackle Riley Reiff in practice, Griffen should have the opportunity to take advantage of this matchup in an actual game. Will the former Minnesota pass rusher get the best of his old teammate when the two face each other in Week 9?