Everson Griffen signs five-year deal with Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) runs onto the field to play the Philadelphia Eagles at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 48-30. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings came into the 2013 season knowing that they would have three impending free agents at defensive end, and all three of those DEs would be good players. Brian Robison was the best of them, and they decided to lock him up during the regular season to a long-term extension. They also entertained offers for Jared Allen, who would clearly end up departing in the offseason due to his age, desire to play with a contender, and the fact that the Vikings would want to move on anyway.
That left Everson Griffen as a more interesting impending free agent to watch for going into March, because he has top talent but has never been able to show it behind the logjam at DE. Robison and Allen have been locked in as the starters, so Griffen’s snaps haven’t been as prevalent. He has the tools and potential, and many viewed him as one of the best impending free agent DEs due to his breakout potential.
Per a source close to the NFL Networks’ Ian Rapoport, the Minnesota Vikings have re-signed Everson Griffen to a “huge” five-year deal, and I’m sure the financial details involved are big given that the deal occurred during the legal tampering period. It’s good to see the 26-year-old staying in Minnesota, because he can break out with the Vikings with Allen out of the way. A starting duo of Robison and Griffen looks perfect, as Robison is the steady source of pressure and top run defender, whereas Griffen is the talented, high-upside pass rusher.