Last week, Vikings Pro Bowl defensive end Everson Griffen opted out of his contract with the team.
Even still, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer expects Griffen, 32, to be back with Minnesota in 2020.
We discussed what that could be long-term for Griffen and the Vikings here.
What could this mean short-term for the Vikings?
It means the Vikings have their starter at defensive end opposite Danielle Hunter — and a pretty good one. Griffen had eight sacks last season and had a Pro Football Focus grade of 76, a mark that ranked 26th among all edge rushers last season.
While the Vikings might sign or draft a defensive end for depth reasons, it won’t have to be a priority if they can indeed get a deal done for Griffen.
Of course, a deal is not done yet as free agency hasn’t even started. Talk in late February about free agency is exactly that: Talk.
