Vikings Territory: The Everson Griffen Speculation Mill Is Still Percolating

Press release from Vikings Territory:

July 1, 2021

Gone are the early February days stuffed with speculation that Kirk Cousins would be traded to the San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, and Houston Texans. All destinations – especially San Francisco – were hotspots for the Cousins-trade rumor mill.

Two areas on the Vikings roster squirm a bit from a peace-of-mind standpoint. The franchise has scanted at the WR3 position arguably since the days of Jarius Wright. Before him, it was probably the 2013 season when the team had a few dudes that were “pretty decent” wide receivers, hence employing a good WR3 in Jerome Simpson, Cordarrelle Patterson, or the aforementioned Wright (whomever the beholder interpreted as WR3).

After that, the right defensive end spot remains mysterious. The Week 1 starter could be Stephen Weatherly – he kicked off free-agent signing festivities for Minnesota this spring. Patrick Jones II, a rookie, might start if his July and August showings at training camp sizzle. Then, D.J. Wonnum constructed some big moments during his maiden voyage. Three men – none of which have an established record of quarterback terrorism.

Griffen was a Viking for a full decade, smashing opposing quarterbacks all the way to the fourth-most sacks in team history with 74.5 – behind John Randle (114.0), Chris Doleman (96.5), and Jared Allen (85.5). One caveat: The NFL began formally tracking sack totals in 1982, so notable people-eating Vikings like Carl Eller, Jim Marshall, and Alan Page are excluded. Rest assured, those three players would rank one-two-three if the NFL went back and studied pre-1982 sacks.

His familiarity with Mike Zimmer’s defense is obvious, his personality outspoken. Tweets were a problem for Griffen early in the offseason, firing off some whimsical anti-Vikings stuff on social media. He apologized and has been rather quiet on Twitter ever since.

We shall see if his “desperately wants to come back” wish reaches the eardrums of the Vikings front office. Minnesota could use a sack merchant on the non-Danielle Hunter side of the 2021 defensive trenches. Griffen’s done it before.

This press release was produced by Vikings Territory. The views expressed here are the author’s own.