Detroit Lions: 3 free agents to sign considering limited offseason
By Bob Heyrman
DE: Everson Griffen
I’ve been banging this sign Everson Griffen drum for quite some time. The veteran defensive end would be a perfect fit on the Detroit Lions defensive line with his hand in the dirt, playing opposite of Trey Flowers.
Griffen will provide a significant upgrade to an abysmal Lions pass-rush from a year ago. The veteran end who has spent his entire career with the Minnesota Vikings was released at the start of the offseason for only a mere $800,000, as Griffen was in the midst of a four-year deal that averaged $14.5 million per season.
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Minnesota is strapped for cash after signing quarterback Kirk Cousins who had one year remaining on his current deal to a two year, $66 million extension leaving the organization short on funds to spend elsewhere.
It was expected that Griffen had been released to free up some money, and he’d be resigned by the franchise a short time after. Oddly enough, that hasn’t been the case at all. Minnesota traded away a disgruntled Stefon Diggs, leaving the probability of retaining Griffen greater, yet they have not re-signed him.
Things are not looking too positive at the moment for the Vikings, star running back Dalvin Cook is seeking around $13 million on a long-term deal. Cook claims he will hold out until the two sides can agree on the terms of a new contract.
We’re now in July, and the 32-year-old Griffen remains a free agent. He’d be a perfect fit in Detroit, and although I’d prefer a one-year, ‘prove it here’ contract, he’s a player I’d be comfortable with signing to a multi-year deal.
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If Griffen is seeking a two or three-year deal, he’s a player I’d consider bringing in. He’s likely to be seeking upwards of $14 million per season. Still, as the market remains stagnant, that price is likely somewhere around the $10-12 million per season range, and that is exceptionally team-friendly for a player of his caliber.