Last offseason, the Vikings were in scramble mode, trying to find respectable cornerbacks on the free-agency market. Ultimately, although there surely were some flaws, the cornerback play was good enough to position the defense among the elite units in the NFL.
A Vikings Free Agent Finally Appeared in the Free Agency News
Byron Murphy Jr. and Stephon Gilmore formed the starting duo in Brian Flores’ defense. Shaq Griffin joined them in sets with three cornerbacks.
This offseason, all three were slated for free agency. Murphy Jr. returned on a lucrative deal, and Gilmore contemplated retirement while Griffin is still available. Veteran Griffin finally appeared in the free agency news after four quiet weeks.
Jordan Schultz reported, “Sources: Former Pro Bowl CB Shaquill Griffin is set to visit the Seahawks today. One of the top free agents still available, Griffin appeared in all 17 games for the Vikings last season — totaling 41 tackles, 2 INTs and 6 pass deflections.”
Griffin once entered the league as a Seahawks’ draft choice when the Legion of Boom was still haunting opposing quarterbacks and receivers. Last season, he signed a one-year deal with the Vikings.
A 2017 third-rounder, Griffin spent the first four years of his career with the Seahawks, where he was famously joined by his twin brother Shaqueem a year later. In his debut season, Shaquill played 15 games and started 11, earning a full-time starting role in that season, a role he kept for the next three seasons.
Viewed as the top free-agent corner on the market, Griffin signed a massive three-year deal with the Jaguars, but injuries kept derailing that stint. After two seasons, Jacksonville said goodbye, and he headed to Houston. Halfway through the 2023 season, he was released despite having a starting gig, and the Panthers claimed him off waivers but barely played him.
Last offseason, looking for a fresh start, he was hired by the Vikings, where he played all 18 contests, starting three of them. He logged 50% of Minnesota’s defensive snaps, registering 41 tackles and three interceptions.
His play was far from elite, but he was a reliable defensive back for the Flores and the Vikings.
A return to Seattle would be a full-circle moment for him, but at the age of 29, he still has some football left and wants to contribute rather than having a farewell tour.
Seattle still employs former fifth overall pick Devon Witherspoon as well as outside corners Josh Jobe and Riq Woolen. On paper, the Seahawks don’t have a need for Griffin, who might slot in as their CB4 and top alternate.
During his visit, he could meet fellow 2024 Viking, Sam Darnold. The passer signed a three-year deal with the NFC West franchise after his Pro Bowl season. Also in the building could be QB Jaren Hall, Minnesota’s 2023 fifth-rounder, but he was waived following his second preseason to make room for Brett Rypien.
The Vikings will also face the Seahawks next season. As always, that will be a road game for the purple franchise.
Griffin will turn 30 in the summer, but he should have a few more years left in the tank.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
