Everson Griffen is getting his wish.
The veteran defensive lineman signed with the Minnesota Vikings on Monday.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported earlier in the day that Griffen was expected to sign, barring a late-stage snag.
"If I didn't think he could help us, we wouldn't sign him," Vikings coach Mike Zimmer told reporters Monday. "It seems like he's in a good place and hopefully he continues to do that, and if he does, he can help us."
Griffen spent his first 10 seasons in Minnesota, compiling 74.5 sacks en route to four Pro Bowls with the Vikes. Last season, the 33-year-old played for the Cowboys and Lions, combining for six sacks and 33 tackles in 14 games between the two stops.
The edge rusher worked out with the Vikings last week and has been hoping for a reunion with the club that made him a fourth-round pick in 2010. Griffen took shots at QB Kirk Cousins on his way out of town but has been remorseful over that social media mistake. The Vikings inking Griffen underscores that any animosity about how his decade-long run in Minnesota ended is water under the bridge.
The veteran lineman said he plans to have a "man-to-man" conversation with Cousins to apologize.
"I haven't really talked to him yet, but I'm going to get around to doing that," Griffen said. "I apologized to Coach Zimm and (general manager) Rick (Spielman) about what I said. I take full ownership in that. But I still got to talk to Kirk and apologize to him about that."
The Vikings struggled mightily last year on defense. Adding Griffen back to the mix gives Zimmer an additional option opposite Danielle Hunter. Zimmer noted Griffen will be used as a situational player. When in shape and motivated, he can still pressure off the edge. His familiarity with Zimmer's D is a bonus with under three weeks before the start of the season.
