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A report from NFL Network’s Michael Silver last week caused some excitement, as Everson Griffen and Clay Matthews were linked to the Seahawks. Griffen was the name that drew interest, both because of his production and fit within Seattle’s defense. With Jadeveon Clowney seemingly out of the picture, Griffen figured to be a fine consolation.
Not anymore.
On Wednesday evening, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the Cowboys had emerged from nowhere to agree to a deal with the free agent pass rusher.
The #Cowboys are adding a big-time pass-rusher, signing former #Vikings DE Everson Griffen, sources tell me, @TomPelissero and @SlaterNFL. With Minnesota for a decade, Griffen now heads to Dallas. A surprise.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 13, 2020
Griffen is the latest addition to a stacked Dallas roster, giving them yet another threat along the defensive line. Rapoport added further details of the agreement, noting that the Cowboys swooped in while the Vikings and Seahawks went back-and-forth.
The #Seahawks and #Vikings went back and forth for pass-rusher Everson Griffen, while the #Cowboys quietly went to work. Out of nowhere, they add a key cog in their defense. Griffen to Dallas.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 13, 2020
To know Seattle was involved but couldn’t get a deal done is tough enough, but news of Griffen’s 2020 cap hit only makes it more frustrating on the Seahawks’ end.
I’m told #Cowboys DE Everson Griffen to a one-year, $6M deal ($3M base salary/$3M in roster bonuses).
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) August 13, 2020
News of Griffen’s deal with Dallas wasn’t completely bleak, however. While it is fair to wonder if Seattle will now turn to Matthews, Rapoport hinted that perhaps the Seahawks haven’t completely moved on from Clowney.
For the #Seahawks, they have had interest in Clay Matthews, but worth noting that Jadeveon Clowney doesn’t have a yet team either. If the door is slightly ajar... https://t.co/ubi2xRKYpp
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 13, 2020
The Cowboys’ signing of Griffen is sure to spark action, as the teams still in the market for a pass rusher—the Jets, Titans, and Seattle included—will need to act fast to avoid missing out completely. The Seahawks missed out on Griffen but may not be done yet.