After Saturday’s loss to the Denver Broncos, the Minnesota Vikings are searching for depth. According to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson and Chris Long, that search will reportedly include former Viking Everson Griffen, who will try out for the team on Wednesday.
Tag-teaming a mini-scoop with @ChrisLongKSTP: Free agent DE Everson Griffen (@EversonGriffen) will tryout for the #Vikings tomorrow.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) August 18, 2021
Griffen spent the first 10 seasons of his career in Minnesota after being a fourth-round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft. The defensive end became one of the greatest pass rushers in franchise history, ranking fourth with 74.5 sacks since sacks became an official stat in 1982.
But the relationship between Griffen and the Vikings has soured over the past couple of seasons. Griffen left the Vikings for five games during the 2018 season after a mental health incident and didn’t look like the same player upon his return. After recording eight sacks during the 2019 season, Griffen opted out of the final three years of his contract and signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys.
Griffen lasted just seven games with Dallas before being traded to the Detroit Lions last November. After his contract expired last offseason, Griffen posted pictures of TCO Performance Center on his Instagram account and made negative comments about quarterback Kirk Cousins before apologizing.
Despite the drama, the Vikings will find out on Wednesday what the 33-year old Griffen has left in the tank. With Danielle Hunter returning, the Vikings may be looking for insurance on the opposite end where D.J. Wonnum and Stephen Weatherly are currently battling for a starting spot.
