The Minnesota Vikings are not in good cap shape. Many if not all the teams in the league around this time of year are forced to release certain players on their rosters.
These are not necessarily players that didn’t meet the team’s standards of play but are now just too much money to keep. They probably would still like to keep them in fact. However, it’s no secret that once a players salary becomes fully guaranteed, like for example defensive end Everson Griffen, teams have to make the tough decision to keep that player at their salary cap hit, or in many cases release them.
After the very strange season that Griffen experienced with struggles concerning mental health, this has to be on the minds of the entire Vikings organization. He is most certainly a fan favorite, and when he had to take time off this past season to become mentally healthy, it seemed as though every fan of the Vikings had his back.
The organization in many minds handled the situation the best they could. They seemed to look after Griffen during his struggling time. It was known that his health was far more important than trying to make him play. However, the NFL is a business, and as much as it would hurt to see Griffen become a free agent, he is due over 11 million dollars this upcoming season. The best ability is availability. That type of money could be used in many ways to keep other players on the roster.
The Vikings have a lethal young defensive line with Danielle Hunter and Stephen Weatherly, two of the brighter talents. Griffen is 31 years old and turning 32 in December. It might be in their best interest to thank Griffen for what he has done for the organization, and allow him to obtain another deal in the process.
There are players including new free agent Vinny Curry that could fill his role on the Vikings at a much lower cap hit.
Other teams could use Griffen’s talent, including the Vikings, but the Vikings could use the cap space just a little more.
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