Minnesota Vikings’ defensive end Everson Griffen recently took the option to void the remaining three years on his deal and immediately became one of the most notable free agents this offseason. However, it seems like other NFL teams won’t have a chance to make him an offer.
According to Vikings’ head coach Mike Zimmer, the team is currently negotiating a new deal with Griffen and expects him to be back in 2020.
“Everson’s a terrific person for us,” said Zimmer. “I think our situation is the right one for him and we expect him to be back. I think he wants to be back, so, you know, those kinds of things usually work its way out.”
Back in 2017, Everson Griffen inked a four-year, $58 million contract extension with the Vikings, which was supposed to keep him with the franchise through 2022. However, the deal contained a void-clause that enabled the 32-year-old to void the last three years if managing 6.0 sacks and 57 percent of the team’s snaps. As Griffen had 8.0 sacks and played 78 percent of the snaps in 2019, he decided to activate the clause.
Griffen spent his entire professional career with the Vikings, who took him in the fourth round of 2010 NFL Draft. Since then, he became one of the pillars of the team’s defense, while making four Pro Bowls. He also has Second-team All-Pro selection in 2017.
