Thought to be the high-profile member of the Vikings’ defensive core that received his money elsewhere, Anthony Barr is staying in Minnesota. The linebacker’s $13.5MM-AAV deal, however, may force another homegrown talent out.
Everson Griffen‘s deal may soon be under consideration for a restructure, but if the veteran defensive end does not agree to do so, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press tweets it is likely Griffen will be released.
As could be expected given the bevy of extensions in recent years and the fully guaranteed contract for Kirk Cousins, the Vikings are up against the cap. Griffen, 31, and the Vikings agreed to an extension in 2017. That deal runs through 2022, but if the Vikings moved on, they would save more than $10MM in cap space.
Griffen’s stock is also not at an especially high level, given his five-game stint away from the Vikings last season. Minnesota also re-upped Danielle Hunter, who is only set for his age-25 season, last year. The Pro Bowl sack artist will be a priority to retain over Griffen. The latter, though, has played nine seasons with the Vikings and was a Pro Bowler from 2015-17. Griffen has 66.5 career sacks and would figure to generate some interest on the market.
While Rick Spielman has managed to squeeze many veterans’ high-end contracts under the cap, it appears the Vikings are not interested in bringing Griffen back on a $10.9MM salary for 2019.
Man, it didn’t take long for Minny to regret the Cousins signing. smh
I love Kirk bro but I would have been fine if they resigned case
People forget Keenum still got $18 mil per year. Vikings would get to essentially keep 1 extra player if they passed on Cousins and went Keenum. The issue is trying to keep all the talent they have hit on in drafts over the last 6 years.
Agree, Seems like too many fans are forgetting what it would have cost to keep Caseon a three year contract !