Unsigned Viking Visits the Raiders
Shaquill Griffin is being choosy about his next employer.
One ex-Vikings defender from the 2024 campaign might end up with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025.
Some thought Griffin might rejoin the Minnesota Vikings’ roster this spring or summer, to no avail as of June 11th. The veteran defensive back has also met with the Seattle Seahawks about a contract, the franchise that welcomed him to the NFL eight years ago.
But now, Griffin will visit the Las Vegas Raiders this week. Griffin’s former head coach in Seattle, Pete Carroll, runs the show in Las Vegas.
Shaquill Griffin Meets with Raiders
Griffin could be a Raider in no time.
NBC Sports‘ Charean Williams wrote Wednesday, “Free agent cornerback Shaquill Griffin is visiting the Raiders, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports. Griffin, 29, played for Raiders coach Pete Carroll in Seattle, spending four seasons there after the Seahawks made him a third-round pick in 2017. Griffin took a free agent visit to Seattle earlier this offseason but did not sign.”
“Griffin, whose only Pro Bowl came in 2019 with the Seahawks, spent last season with the Vikings. He appeared in all 17 games with three starts in 2024, recording two interceptions and six passes defensed, while playing 572 defensive snaps and three on special teams.”
Considering the Pete Carroll angle, Griffin to Las Vegas would make sense.
The Raiders’ CB Room
For those unfamiliar with the Raiders’ cornerbacks, here’s the unit as of early June:
- Jakorian Bennett
- Eric Stokes
- Darnay Holmes
- Darien Porter
- Decamerion Richardson
- Sam Webb
- Mello Dotson
- John Humphrey
- Kyu Blue Kelly
- Greedy Vance
Pound for pound, that might be the worst cornerback group in the NFL, further explanation why Griffin is meeting with Las Vegas.
Shaquill Griffin Career Bio
Here’s Griffin’s NFL resume to date:
- Seattle Seahawks (2017–2020)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (2021–2022)
- Houston Texans (2023)
- Carolina Panthers (2023)
- Minnesota Vikings (2024)
And the skinny from Pro Football Focus:
- 2017: 65.3
- 2018: 50.7
- 2019: 78.0
- 2020: 64.6
- 2021: 72.0
- 2022: 61.8
- 2023: 67.0
- 2024: 63.7
Always pretty damn decent; never extraordinary.
Still an Option for the Vikings?
The Vikings, meanwhile, may still need another cornerback near the top of the ticket. CB1 is locked down thanks to Byron Murphy Jr., but some are unsure if Isaiah Rodgers, Mekhi Blackmon, Jeff Okudah, or Dwight McGlothern are trustworthy for CB2 duty. Perhaps, perhaps not.
Griffin has remained on an island, as designated by Vikings fans, that says, “Just sign Griffin,” if the team learns one more corner is needed for the 2025 campaign.
He was even spotted last month in a social media clip working out in Vikings attire.
Raiders-Themed Media’s Take on Griffin
Athlon Sports‘ Austin Boyd opined Wednesday on Griffin’s meeting with Las Vegas: “The Las Vegas Raiders have done a lot to beef up positions of need this offseason, but one position they haven’t been as aggressive in adding has been cornerback. Eric Stokes is the only new non-rookie the team has signed, and he hasn’t had an interception since 2021.”
“This late in the game, the Raiders are unlikely to find a major impact cornerback, but they do need to add some more veteran depth. Head coach Pete Carroll appears interested in reuniting with a familiar face. Griffin originally came into the NFL as a third-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks when Carroll was still the head coach. He quickly became an impact player and was a Pro Bowler by his third season.”
The Raiders’ defense ranked 16th per EPA/Play in 2024.
Boyd concluded, “Last season was a bit of a bounce-back year for him with the Minnesota Vikings. He played in 17 games and caught two interceptions to go with 41 combined tackles. The biggest issue Griffin has faced has been availability. Prior to last season, he had just one year where he didn’t miss a game. The fact that he was able to play in 17 games in 2024 is a good sign.”
“The Raiders’ options at cornerback are limited in free agency, and Griffin could be the best fit available.”
Griffin’s next contract should net $3 or $4 million per season.
Surprise Rocks Vikings Minicamp
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