SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 02: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings runs to the team tunnel before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 02, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Seahawks won, 37-30. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Everson Griffen could be making a return to the Vikings in 2021.
Everson Griffen was a fourth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2010 and was with the team all the way through the 2019 season.
He decided to opt out in 2020 and signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys. That was already a weird sight for Vikings fans. Things only got weirder when he was traded to the Detroit Lions back in October.
Griffen is a free agent once again and his Instagram account appeared to show him arriving at the Vikings facility Thursday.
Griffen angling for a return
This latest post follows several others where Griffen has expressed his desire to re-sign with his original team.
The defensive end is a four-time Pro Bowler who decided to opt out in 2020 when it became clear he may be cut anyway. Signing a one-year deal in Dallas worth only $6 million likely wasn’t what he had in mind when opting out.
Griffen has played his best football with the Vikings, and at this point in his career, he may be willing to return to his former home at a discount if necessary. He is 33 years old and can return to a defense that Mike Zimmer just trashed in the media following a disappointing 7-9 season.
The former Viking may have just been driving by, or perhaps he had some sort of meeting set up. The latter is unlikely given COVID-19 protocols, but all we have to go off is his Instagram post.
The Vikings can use the help on defense, and Griffen can’t stop talking about his desire to return. A potential reunion is going to come down to cost, because there is no reason why the team shouldn’t welcome him back if the price is right. The desire to play in Minnesota is there, and he could immediately return as a leader on defense.