Arizona Cardinals defensive line could use Everson Griffen

The veteran free agent would provide an infusion of talent to an Arizona Cardinals defensive unit that was dreadful in 2019

It’s that time of the year for the Arizona Cardinals front office. The NFL’s free agent signing period is less than a month away, and the organization is entering a very crucial offseason. There are many holes to fill, but one of Arizona’s biggest priorities will be to improve their 32nd-ranked defense.

With that thought in mind, the Cards defensive line is an area of the club that could certainly use some upgrading. Reports have surfaced that Everson Griffen, a long-time Minnesota Viking, has elected to opt out of his contract. The defensive end exercised a clause in his deal that has allowed him to get out of his final three years with Minnesota.

Griffen’s track record indicates that he would be a tremendous acquisition for the Cardinals. The 32-year old, a fourth-round draft pick of the Vikings back in 2010, has been selected to four Pro Bowls during his career. Griffen has racked up 355 tackles, 74.5 sacks, 16 pass breakups and nine forced fumbles during his 10 campaigns with Minnesota.

One obstacle that could stand in the way of Arizona signing Griffen is the squad’s defensive alignment. The Vikings have been a proponent of the 4-3 defense for many years now. Griffen would have to make the switch to a 3-4 system in the desert, but the defender’s ample strength and size (6’3, 273) should make the transition a relatively easy one.

At the present time, the only defensive ends under contract for the Cards are Zach Allen, Michael Dogbe and Lyndon Johnson. Two others, Rodney Gunter and Jonathan Bullard, will be testing the free agent market. Cardinals general manager Steve Keim has not yet revealed what the team’s plans for the position are going forward.

Rumors are circulating that Minnesota would like to bring Griffen back at a lower salary than he was set to make this coming fall. Arizona is currently in a much more advantageous salary-cap situation, and could certainly come up with a more attractive offer for the player. The Cards offseason itinerary will be revealed soon enough, and it will be interesting to see if Griffen is on the franchise’s wish list.