Pro Football Rumors
Everson Griffen has not played in the NFL since the 2021 season. Nevertheless, the decorated pass rusher has his eyes set on suiting up this fall.
During an interview with The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson, Griffen made clear his desire to return to the NFL. The 38-year-old said he has been sober for one year while also detailing his bipolar diagnosis. Griffen missed the final seven games of the 2021 season due to what was described as a mental health incident.
The four-time Pro Bowler said he intended to continue his career leading up to the 2022 offseason. No deal was worked out, though, and Griffen has remained on the market ever since. It would come as a surprise if interest were to pick up over the coming weeks, but an offer could result in an NFL return.
“My desire is to play again,” Griffen said. “I know the things that I’ve done; I’ve burnt bridges, but I feel like that’s reparable… You don’t have to worry about me going back to using again.”
Across his 12 years in the NFL – including 11 spent with the Vikings – Griffen racked up 96 starts and 170 appearances during the regular season. The USC product reached double-digit sacks on three occasions, totaling 85.5 over the course of his career. A depth role would no doubt await him in the event of a 2026 return to the league.
Griffen’s most notable contract was a Vikings extension averaging $14.5MM per year. His more recent pacts were one year in length, and in 2021 he played on a deal worth $1.08MM. If Griffen were able to land an opportunity in the near future, another offer worth the veteran minimum would surely be in store.
