The Vikings have locked up one of their own before the start of free agency.
Defensive end Everson Griffen has agreed to a new five year contract with the Vikings, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rappaport.
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, Griffen received a 5 year, $42.5 million contract from the Vikings, with $20 million in guaranteed money. The deal appears to be somewhat front loaded, as Griffen is set to take $27 million over the first three years of the deal, according to Master Tesfatsion of the Star Tribune.
Griffen was a fourth round pick for the Vikings in 2010 and has largely been a role player up to this point. Griffen helped propel the team to the playoffs in 2012 with eight sacks as a situational pass rusher. Griffen also totaled five and a half sacks with the team last year.
Griffen was considered a priority for the Vikings this offseason, as his athleticism has always made him an intriguing player. Griffen's new deal makes him one of the top 10 highest-paid defensive ends.
The fact that Griffen has never played an every-down role with the team makes this deal somewhat of a risk for the Vikings, but apparently the organization decided they couldn't let a player with Griffen's potential just walk out the door.
Griffen's athleticism makes him potentially versatile in Mike Zimmer's defense. While Griffen will likley be asked to mainly be an edge rusher for the Vikings, he could also see some snaps at linebacker like James Harrison in Cincinnati.
Griffen's deal likely means the end of Jared Allen's time in Minnesota, as the team will now want Griffen on the field more often. Singing former Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson also seems less likely unless the team plans to give Griffen plenty of snaps at linebacker.
The Vikings have until Tuesday to exclusively negotiate with all their in-house free agents. On Tuesday marks the start of free agency, where the Vikings will be able to sign outside free agents.
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