Everson Griffen: Perfect for the Ravens, if Vikings let him go
The Baltimore Ravens would be the perfect landing spot for Everson Griffen if the Minnesota Vikings don’t pick up his club option:
Everson Griffen and the Baltimore Ravens would be a match made in football heaven. He would be a veteran leader for the defense and he has a proven track record of getting to the quarterback. He had eight sacks in the 2019 season and has 74.5 sacks in his 10 year run with the Vikings. If he became a free agent, he’d be a player the Ravens would have to think about signing.
The Vikings hold the cards here. They can either decide to keep him or let him go. The Vikings salary cap woes could help Griffen become available. The point is that while Griffen is not an unrestricted free agent, that could change.
Griffen leaving the Vikings would be a lot like Terrell Suggs leaving the Ravens. Neither side really has any reason to want the departure, yet it’s a realistic possibility. Griffen is a 32-year-old edge rusher. He clearly has more football left in the tank, but he’s a lot closer to the end of his career than his prime.
If Griffen becomes available, he could get a deal similar to the one Suggs got with the Cardinals. That’s something Eric DeCosta can get done if he wants to. If this is the kind of money that can get Griffen in the Ravens’ shade of purple, it would be a steal. Griffen plays at a premium position. He could be the most affordable star available that could play on the edge for the Ravens.
On the free agency market you’d have to think that Griffen would be a much more affordable option than Yannick Ngakoue, Jadeveon Clowney, Dante Fowler Jr., or Shaquil Barrett. The Ravens have to make this offseason about accruing difference makers. Griffen is still a very explosive pass rusher who is coming off a strong season. Most importantly, he could be the most realistic option if the Vikings make him a cap casualty.
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Many Ravens fans wanted Terrell Suggs back when the Cardinals released him. Griffen would give the Ravens the same kind of veteran leadership and he probably has more football left in front of him. If you wanted Suggs back, you can’t be against the idea of bringing in Griffen. Now we just have to see what the Vikings decide to do with their longtime pass rusher.