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Everson Griffen has reportedly changed his position and is exploring the free agency market. Griffen, a defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings who had twice as many sacks as any Seattle Seahawk last season, has been linked to Seattle on multiple occasions. Corbin Smith now reports:
This report matches up nicely with what I've heard - Griffen may ultimately go back to Minnesota, but he's going to test the market and see what's out there. Seattle makes a ton of sense for numerous reasons and has interest. https://t.co/k1eEYRnVQK
— Corbin Smith (@CorbinSmithNFL) March 18, 2020
The Vikings voided the option on Griffen’s contract in a move that predates the U.S. Covid-19 explosion. While it technically makes him available this offseason, the stream of thought has been that it would leave him open to remain in Minnesota on a better contract, not depart the team.
Vikings’ HC Mike Zimmer says the team met with the agent for free agent DE Everson Griffen last night and the team expects Griffen to return.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 26, 2020
#Seahawks have reached out to Everson Griffen's camp about possible reunion with college coach Pete Carroll.
— Corbin Smith (@CorbinSmithNFL) March 18, 2020
Vikings hope to retain veteran defensive end after he explores free agent options, but a return isn't a given as it seemed when they voided rest of his contract.
Griffen previously played under head coach Pete Carroll at USC, and has been on the Vikings since he was drafted in 2010.
If possible, this would be a significantly better move for the Seahawks than their other rumored connections at DE, because it would not require a trade. Whatever it costs to get Matt Judon or Yannick Ngakoue will be high draft picks this season, as neither player is under the control of Bill O’Brien.
Jadeveon Clowney plus Everson Griffen?
They better start cutting some players, as that is going to cost some real dollars.