Former Minnesota Vikings star Everson Griffen was on the move on Tuesday afternoon when The Dallas Cowboys sent the former Pro Bowl defensive end to the Detroit Lions in exchange for a fifth-round pick.
The trade wraps up Griffen’s stint with the Cowboys at just six games, but for the Vikings, that’s not the biggest story. Due to the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols for players switching teams, Griffen will not be available for the Lions’ Week 8 matchup with the Colts. Instead, he’ll make his debut the following week…against the Vikings.
Because of COVID-19 protocols, Everson Griffen won't be available Sunday against the #Colts.
That means Griffen's #Lions debut will be Nov. 8 against … the #Vikings.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 27, 2020
Griffen is one of the greatest pass-rushers in franchise history, ranking fourth all-time with 74.5 sacks in 10 seasons with the Vikings. While Griffen signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys in the offseason, the Vikings were due to see Griffen just once when Dallas visits Minnesota on Nov. 22.
Instead, the Vikings will now see Griffen twice as Minnesota hosts Detroit on Nov. 8 and will travel to Detroit on Jan. 3.
With the Vikings having issues keeping Kirk Cousins upright, the addition of Griffen within the NFC North could be a problem. Then again, with the Vikings sitting at 1-5, Griffen’s presence could be a blessing of disguise for those with dreams of Trevor Lawrence.
