Vikings’ Insurance Policy Could Fall Through
For a few weeks, if not months, former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Shaquill Griffin has served as an “insurance policy” for the purple team, living on the free-agent market for Minnesota to sign in case of emergency.
Vikings’ Insurance Policy Could Fall Through
Griffin filled in admirably for the Vikings last year after rookie corner Khyree Jackson tragically passed away and second-year CB Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL.
But if ESPN has it right, Griffin could soon head to the Seattle Seahawks, the team that brought him into the NFL eight years ago.
Shaquill Griffin in Talks with Seahawks
The hints of a Griffin-Seahawks reunion are there.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler tweeted Wednesday morning, “Seahawks are in discussions with free-agent corner Shaquill Griffin on a potential reunion, sources told Brady Henderson and me. Seattle is looking for veteran corner help and has Griffin — who made a Pro Bowl as a Seahawk in 2019 — high on its list. No deal reached as of now.”
The Seahawks’ possible priority of a Griffin signing is a little strange because Seattle has Devon Witherspoon, Tariq Woolen, and the upstart Josh Jobe on its depth chart.
Maybe similar to the Vikings, perhaps the Seahawks are merely seeking veteran depth.
Griffin Met with Seattle Last Month, Too
Griffin actually dipped his toes in Seattle waters last month.
NBC Sports‘ Josh Alper wrote on April 7th, “The Seahawks had a former member of the team in for a visit on Monday. The NFL’s daily transaction wire shows that cornerback Shaquill Griffin met with the team. Griffin was a 2017 third-round pick by the Seahawks and he spent his first four seasons with the team.”
“Griffin made the Pro Bowl once while in Seattle and left for the Jaguars as a free agent. He spent two seasons in Jacksonville and split one between the Texans and Panthers before joining the Vikings in 2024.”
No deal came to fruition in April, but a month later — to the date — the Seahawks are evidently re-interested in a free-agent relationship.
Alper added, “Griffin had 41 tackles, two interceptions and six passes defensed in 17 games for Minnesota. He has 407 tackles, nine interceptions, 56 passes defensed, a sack, and a forced fumble over his entire career.”
The Vikings’ Would-Be Insurance Policy
On the Vikings’ depth chart, defensive coordinator Brian Flores is on tap to feature five primary corners: Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Mekhi Blackmon, Jeff Okudah, and Dwight McGlothern. Some fans are a bit apprehensive about the fivesome, mainly because most Super Bowl-contending teams usually feature a second cornerback of Murphy Jr.’s caliber.
Minnesota has Rodgers, who many consider a “maybe” or “high upside” solution, rather than a surefire starter.
Therefore, with Griffin available on the free-agent market — at least until the Seahawks end the sweepstakes — Griffin has provided a “they can just sign Shaq Griffin” discussion among the team’s fans.
If Seattle pounces, expect some Vikings loyalists to shift the discussion to Stephon Gilmore, Griffins’ 2024 running mate with the purple team.
Griffin in 2024
Griffin didn’t utterly blow away the competition in Minnesota last year, his first as a Viking. But he was reliable and led the club in passer-rating-against, showcasing a 75.8 mark when opposing quarterbacks threw in his direction.
He appeared in all 17 games last season, starting three, and wound up participating in 572 defensive snaps, or half the time.
Griffin was at the peak of his powers in 2019, reaching the aforementioned Pro Bowl that season, his third season as a Pro.
Here’s his NFL resume since:
- Seattle Seahawks (2017–2020)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (2021–2022)
- Houston Texans (2023)
- Carolina Panthers (2023)
- Minnesota Vikings (2024)
CB Options if Griffin Signs with SEA
Believe it or not, Minnesota would have options not named Griffin or Gilmore if it desired one more cornerback. Jack Jones remains a free agent, and Minnesota took a liking to him during the build-up to the 2022 NFL Draft. The team even put a waiver claim on the defender when the New England Patriots dropped him in 2023.
Rasul Douglas of Green Bay Packers fame is available as well. Minnesota could also give 2022 standout Duke Shelley a jingle.
Ultra-aggressive corner Mike Hilton hasn’t been signed yet. And many NFL pundits expect Jaire Alexander’s relationship with the Packers’ brass to end in divorce — also known as a roster release.
The Vikings could also roll with their current CB batch and call it good.
Griffin will turn 30 this summer.
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