The Minnesota Vikings have prioritized strengthening their defense during the 2024 NFL free agency period. In addition to signing several linebackers, the Vikings have now made a significant move by acquiring former Pro Bowl cornerback Shaq Griffin from the Houston Texans.
Griffin and the Vikings have reached a one-year agreement valued at up to $6 million, as reported by NFL Insider Jordan Schultz. This signing is aimed at enhancing the Vikings’ secondary, leveraging Griffin’s extensive experience gained from playing with four different NFL teams.
Griffin embarked on his NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks, who drafted him in the third round of the 2017 Draft. The former UCF Knights standout showcased his potential in his rookie season, tallying 59 total tackles, one sack, and one interception across 15 games.
Remaining with the Seahawks for three more seasons, Griffin experienced significant growth in 2019-20 and 2020-21, reaching career highs. In the 2019-20 season, he played 14 games and achieved a career-best 65 tackles, earning his first and only Pro Bowl selection.
The following year saw Griffin elevate his performance even further, amassing 63 tackles and a career-high three interceptions in the 2020-21 season. He then transitioned to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a two-season stint.
Although his second year with the Jaguars was limited to five games, Griffin secured another opportunity with the Houston Texans in 2023, followed by a brief tenure with the Carolina Panthers.
In the 2023-24 season, Griffin demonstrated consistent production, contributing 39 tackles and an interception during his time with the Texans and Panthers. His addition strengthens the already formidable defense of the Minnesota Vikings.
The Minnesota Vikings have clearly emphasized bolstering their defense during the offseason. Alongside the acquisition of Shaq Griffin, the Vikings strengthened their linebacking corps by signing former Texans linebackers Jonathan Greenard and Blake Cashman. They also secured former Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.
According to ClutchPoints’ Steve Silverman, each of these additions has been graded as a B+ or better, indicating their positive impact on the Vikings’ defense. With Shaq Griffin and the newly added linebackers, Minnesota’s defense is expected to be formidable as they aim for a more successful campaign in 2024.
