Veteran defensive end Everson Griffen finally made a decision about his future in NFL. According to multiple reports, Griffen agreed to join Dallas Cowboys on a one-year, $6 million deal.
Griffen, who spent his entire career with Minnesota Vikings, was one of the best remaining free agents on the market. He was linked with several teams, including the Green Bay Packers, but ended up opting for Cowboys, who were reportedly eyeing him since early in the offseason.
According to ESPN’s Kimberley A. Martin, Griffen will earn $3 million in base salary while the remaining $3 million will come through roster bonuses.
Acquisition of Griffen is a big add to Cowboys, who were projected to scramble for sacks in 2020. Dallas previously lost their last season’s sack-leader Robert Quinn (11.5) to Chicago Bears in free agency, while there are doubts whether DeMarcus Lawrence can continue being a legitimate pass-rush threat following just 5.0 sacks in 2019.
Everson Griffen, on the other hand, is still a threat for a quarterback even at 32. He showcased that last season when he had 8.0 sacks and 24 quarterback hits in 15 games while earning a Pro Bowl nod. Griffen has 74.5 career sacks and has never had less than 8.0 in a season in which he played more than 11 games.
