This offseason, defensive end Everson Griffen announced on Instagram that he was leaving the Vikings.
Despite that announcement, Griffen is still unsigned in free agency, and a report from Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press gave insight as to why Griffen announced his departure from the Vikings so prematurely.
A source told Tomasson that Griffen wanted to get the word out to teams that he was available, even though there was still a chance he would return to the Vikings this offseason.
A source also told Tomasson that Griffen’s free agency situation has been complicated by being unable to visit other teams, in addition to his mental health issues in 2018.
Griffen recently told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network “never say never” about a possible return to the Vikings.
The defensive end had a resurgent 2019 where he had eight sacks and an interception. Griffen voided his contract with Minnesota before the Instagram announcement.