Vikings Reunion Signing Could Be on the Way
Some Minnesota Vikings fans want the purple team to re-sign running back Cam Akers, a dependable tailback currently living on the free-agent wire.
Vikings Reunion Signing Could Be on the Way
Akers could return to Minnesota if the front office sees fit, but don’t forget about Shaquill Griffin, an experienced veteran cornerback from the 2024 squad.
If one trusts social media clues, a Griffin reunion might even be likelier than an Akers contract.
Shaquill Griffin Evidently Working Out in Vikings Attire
Fans spotted Griffin on Instagram last week — working out in Vikings garb.
Here’s the footage:
To make the breadcrumb trail even more fascinating, Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. even “liked” the post on Instagram.
So, the theory goes: if Griffin is training in Minnesota apparel, well, perhaps he already knows a contract is imminent, signaling a reunion deal for 2025.
A Wise Addition to Fill Out a Decent CB Room
And you know what? Adding Griffin might be wise.
Minnesota employs a handful of cornerbacks, including the aforementioned Murphy Jr., a Pro Bowler, newcomer Isaiah Rodgers, Mekhi Blackmon, Jeff Okudah, and Dwight McGlothern. That fivesome might work just fine for the 2025 campaign, and all signs point to the Vikings’ coaching staff trusting the group.
If not, why hasn’t general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah signed another veteran like Jack Jones, Rasul Douglas, or Asante Samuel Jr.? Adofo-Mensah also had the opportunity to draft Michigan cornerback Will Johnson two weeks ago, but opted against it.
Still, Griffin would provide useful depth, a role he embraced last year while playing a rather vital function when it was all said and done.
The Numbers in 2024
Griffin notched a 64.3 Pro Football Focus grade in 2024, a decent mark that didn’t set the world on fire but also didn’t utterly disappoint.
The 29-year-old also led all Vikings defensive backs in passer-rating-against.
Vikings Defensive Backs,
Passer Rating Against,
2024:
Shaquill Griffin — 75.8
Byron Murphy Jr. — 76.7
Camryn Bynum — 77.6
Josh Metellus — 90.4
Harrison Smith — 90.9
Stephon Gilmore — 94.1
Our own Janik Eckardt wrote about Griffin last month: “Last offseason, the Vikings were in scramble mode, trying to find respectable cornerbacks on the free-agency market. Ultimately, although there surely were some flaws, the cornerback play was good enough to position the defense among the elite units in the NFL.”
“Looking for a fresh start, he was hired by the Vikings, where he played all 18 contests, starting three of them. He logged 50% of Minnesota’s defensive snaps, registering 41 tackles and two interceptions. His play was far from elite, but he was a reliable defensive back for Flores and the Vikings.”
Seahawks Were in the Mix for Griffin
The Seattle Seahawks, too, flirted with a Griffin earlier in the offseason — the team that drafted him eight years ago.
SI.com’s Tim Weaver wrote: “The Seattle Seahawks are hosting former cornerback Shaquill Griffin for a free agent visit today, according to report by NFL insider Jordan Schultz. At this late point in free agency, Griffin is technically one of the better corners who are still on the market.”
“Griffin was originally a third-round draft pick by Seattle back in the 2017 NFL draft. He played 57 games for the Seahawks over the next four years, including 53 starts. Seattle also drafted his twin brother Shaquem Griffin the following year in the fifth round, but he’s been out of the league since the 2020 season ended.”
No deal has materialized from the visit as of May 6th.
Weaver added, “Griffin somehow made the Pro Bowl in 2019, but he’s never earned a PFF grade higher than 77.0 in a single year and was never really an above-average starter at any point. Now in the twilight of his career, he should be considered backup material only.”
“Most likely the Seahawks are considering adding Griffin to the competition at the left boundary spot, where surprise 2024 breakout Josh Jobe is projected to start but also only under contract for one year. By no means should signing Griffin prevent the Seahawks from drafting a cornerback.”
Griffin as the Perfect Insurance Policy
The Vikings grabbed Griffin last March. A difficult period followed for the Vikings due to rookie corner Khyree Jackson tragically passing away in a Maryland car accident and second-year defensive back Mekhi Blackmon tearing his ACL.
Amid the turmoil, Griffin was the perfect spot-starting insurance policy.
Of course, Minnesota will hope to avoid tragedies and season-ending injuries this summer. Signing Griffin would nevertheless help with the depth. It’s the proverbial “who says no?”
Working out in Vikings clothes doesn’t hurt the theory.
The Vikings Should Sign an Old Friend
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