Despite having made two big signings to fortify their edge rusher positions last year, the Packers are interested another impact pass-rushing talent.
The Packers are among the teams to express interest in free agent edge defender Everson Griffen, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. The longtime Vikings defensive end is interested in a Green Bay deal as well, per Rapoport. This marks the second team Griffen has identified as a preferred landing spot. He pegged Seattle as a potential destination months ago.
This news comes shortly after Mike Zimmer indicated he would love to have Griffen back for an 11th season in Minnesota. The seventh-year Vikings HC, however, was not sure where that process stood.
“I know that he texted me the other day telling me congratulations and things like that,” Zimmer said regarding his recent contract extension. “I’d love to have him back. He’s always been one of my guys, so if that happens that’d be great. I don’t know where that’s at right now.”
The Vikings have been believed set to move on from Griffen this offseason, but they did not make a notable investment to replace the Pro Bowl pass rusher. The Packers, however, already have Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith, along with 2019 first-round pick Rashan Gary. Adding Griffen at this juncture would not cost Green Bay the kind of money it shelled out for the Smiths — $16.5MM and $13MM on average, respectively — and it would certainly bolster one of the league’s best pass-rushing groups. Though, Griffen — Minnesota’s No. 4 all-time sack leader — would seemingly have a better chance to see significant playing time elsewhere. The Packers hold nearly $12MM in cap space; the Vikings have almost $10MM.
Idk why the vikings haven’t brought him back on a 2 year 10-15 mill deal. Even as a rotational player he’d most likely provide value on that contract.
This would be a great move by the Packers. For many reasons. However, I smell a rat that this is just Griffens’ camp trying to get the price up from the Vikings. The Packers pass rush would be a force. Not sure that it does much to stop the run though. I don’t see this one happening but I guess crazier things have happened. Will make Vikings fans a little queasy so that’s always worth it.
Vikings fans wont care, trust me. If anything, it’ll be a delight for Vikings fans. They’ve listened to the Packers fanbase mock them for signing former Packers for a long time. Cant wait to see another gleaming example of how hypocritical the Packers fanbase can be again if they sign a washed up Viking this time.
You cant wait to funny packers havent been the one signing vikings retreads been the other way around lol if u going argue a point at least have a leg to stand on
Cricket, you sound a little salty. Empty trophy room got ya down?
Packers fans are like, oh that’s right, we have another rivalry besides the Bears
You’ve signed so many washed up packer players , I can’t even count.
That just helps packers win every year .
Hahaha typical sad Viqueens fanboy … softest fans in sports.
I totally agree with you..more the talent you have the better but as it said in the article they have already invested a ton their with both smiths and first round on gary…if they were to spend more money a dt to help clark makes more sense…but in truth they going use that 12 mill to sign one of the many big free agents they have to resign next year..clark bakahtari jones just to name a few next years free agent class for them is a big one..seem a rat is in the fold
The Packers “interest” is just to drive up the price for Griffen to the Vikings.
I’m not buying this. The Packers need to upgrade their defensive line by finding a run stuffer up front to replace the disappointing duo of Adams and Lancaster. On the other hand, this could indicate management is really losing faith in Rashan Gary
Yea they can’t draft !