Everson Griffen
The Minnesota Vikings signed Za’Darius Smith away from the Green Bay Packers this week, mandating the question for a longtime purple defender, where does Everson Griffen fit now in the team’s 2022 plans?
The straight answer — he likely isn’t returning this time.
Griffen played for the Vikings in 10 total seasons, taking a dip to the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions in 2020 before returning to Minnesota in 2021. And last year, Griffen was fantastic before encountering a mental health malady, which he took steps to address in recent months. All told, Griffen played in nine games, tallying five sacks and a 63.7 grade from Pro Football Focus.
The man can still perform — even at age 34.
Yet, with the acquisition of Smith, the need for Griffen — or any other starting EDGE defender — dwindled tremendously. Minnesota now invests ample cash in Danielle Hunter and Smith, so those men will be designated to rush the passer in 2022.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”977229″ player=”26279″ title=”WATCH%203%20ideal%20Jimmy%20Garoppolo%20trade%20scenarios%20this%20offseason” duration=”84″ description=”Jimmy Garoppolo led his San Francisco 49ers to a second NFC Championship Game in three seasons. Despite starting 3-5, San Francisco got hot and was looking very much to be Super Bowl bound.That’s when it all came crashing down against the Rams in the title game. Garoppolo struggled big time with San Francisco heading into the fourth quarter up 17-7. Likely his last throw as a member of the 49ers, the Super Bowl quarterback tossed up a prayer — ending up in an intereception.” uploaddate=”2022-03-21″ thumbnailurl=”undefined” contentUrl=”https://cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/streaming/977176/977176.m3u8″ width=”16″ height=”9″]
Plus, the “ties” for Griffen to the Vikings organization are kaput, at least per the front office and coaching staff. Consider this: Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander, Anthony Barr, Xavier Rhodes, and Griffen are all free agents — and nary a credible whisper is heard about those players returning to Minnesota.
In an “old” offseason with Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer in the saddle, some or all of those men might revisit the Vikings for another hurrah.
But the Vikings ownership cleaned house in January, substantially reducing the possibility of former Vikings returning to the franchise. Former Vikings simply aren’t coveted as much anymore. Spielman drafted the free agents listed above — and he isn’t employed in Eagan any longer.
Too, Griffen is a 4-3 pass rusher, and the Vikings will make a foundational pivot to a 3-4 defense in 2022, for only the second time in 61 years. The first time they auditioned a 3-4, the team quickly switched back to a 4-3. Now, though, Ed Donatell is in charge of the defense, whisking a brand new system into U.S. Bank Stadium.
Griffen showed his pass-rushing prowess in 2021, nominating himself as a player worthy of NFL employment. He’ll sign on with another team, likely in a situational pass-rushing capacity.
On the whole, however, his age clock is ticking, the Vikings have two beasts on the roster to sack quarterbacks, and [for better or worse], Griffen’s days in Minnesota probably ended last fall.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. His YouTube Channel, VikesNow, debuts in March 2022. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).