Monday Myths: Griffin Is Surely A Goner

Last week, Leslie Frazier hinted that some in the secondary could lose their jobs after they allowed Tim Tebow throw the ball at will.  Nobody lost their job last week.

This week, Cedric Griffin made comments that could have been interpreted as an acknowledgement that he will be cut before the 2012 season.

“I’m going to do the best that I can do and do what I do,” Griffin said after the Lions game in which he was benched. “But that’s on the team (to make that) decision. So, I’m going to make my decision, what I’ve got to do after the season and they’re going to make their decision.”

I’m not convinced, however, that the Vikings are going to part ways with their once-promising cornerback that easily.  After all, they have made quite an investment into Griffin in both recovery time and cap space.

In 2009, the Vikings gave Griffin a five year deal worth $28.5 million, with $10.5 million in guaranteed money.  Prior to the 2011 offseason, he was the only Viking committed to through the year 2014.

After knee surgeries in two consecutive seasons, the thought is that the Vikings could give up on Griffin despite the $14.55 million that remains on his contract. 

“He is a guy who has worked extremely hard for us and battled back from some tough injuries,” Leslie Frazier said of the situation. “He had some moments that were a little bit difficult, but I haven’t given up on him and I hope he hasn’t given up on himself. We will revisit things this week as we prepare for our next opponent and just see where he fits at that point. But he is not in my doghouse at all.”

Frazier seems to be willing to give Griffin more chances and also seems to think that Griffin’s recent struggles have more to do with confidence than talent or health.

“(That has) been something that has kind of been ongoing,” Frazier said. “He and I have talked about it on different occasions during the year. About just playing with the confidence that I know he is capable of having, because he has made some plays for us and at times has made some plays for us this season.

“I don’t ever want him to get down at that position. It’s hard to play corner in our league when you don’t play with confidence. You are going to get beat sometimes, but you have to believe in yourself and your abilities in order to be successful at that position.

“If for some reason you are not executing, we don’t want it to be because of lack of confidence.”

Despite the theory that Griffin might ask for, and might receive, his release this offseason, I am betting he at least makes it to training camp next season.

Share: