Strib: Shaq to set the cornerback room

[StickierBuns]

https://twitter.com/Andrew_Krammer/statu...3968246868

The Hitman has the safeties.....a leader for the corners is needed, enter Griffin.

[Knucklehead]

Adding a vet CB was a definite need this offseason as a bigger CB was needed to play the outside which allows Murphy to move to the slot full time where he is better suited.

But, I'm skeptical that Griffen was the correct signing. He was released by both the Jags & Texans last season. Given the importance of having CB depth, it does makes me wonder.

[Montana Tom]

I am optimistic that in Flores' system that he will thrive again. He's got lots of tread still on the tires at only age 28.

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"Yeah, I love it," Griffin said after a recent practice during organized team activities. "I think it's a perfect fit, a great opportunity, I love the defensive scheme that they have. I feel they put me in the right spot to be able to play my game how I'm used to playing it."

Griffin is also enjoying a full offseason of good health. He said that during 2022 training camp with the Jaguars he tore a back muscle, then played through the injury for five games, taking cortisone tablets that wore off by the fourth quarter. When he couldn't feel his leg, he decided to undergo surgery to address the issue around his L5 and S1 vertebrae.

He was cut by the Jaguars in March 2023. He signed with the Texans last year but said he wasn't the same player. He had been sidelined for six months and couldn't stay in shape. He felt he was still getting his legs under him during camp, when he had a backup role, as well as after injuries vaulted him into six starts last season.

Griffin said he has no such reservations this time around.

"Moving really well now," he said. "Way faster than I did last year."

Griffin ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the 2017 combine before the Seahawks drafted him in the third round.

[supafreak84]

Did we ever get confirmation on if his signing is going to cost us a comp pick next year?

[Knucklehead]

Did we ever get confirmation on if his signing is going to cost us a comp pick next year?

We just don’t know yet as other factors determined during the season also factor into the comp pick formula. For example, qualifying free agents have to remain on the roster through Week 10. Recall that in 2018, Arizona signed Sam Bradford and we thought that we would receive a comp pick for that signing. But Arizona released him prior to Week 10 & we received nothing. Playing time in the 2024 season is also a factor in the comp pick formula which obviously can’t be determined until the season is over.

I did read somewhere that the Vikings never figured that they would receive a 3rd round comp pick for Hunter as the value of Greenard’s contract cancelled out Hunters. At most, the Griffith signing cost us a Day 3 comp pick.

[StickierBuns]

I am optimistic that in Flores' system that he will thrive again.  He's got lots of tread still on the tires at only age 28.

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"Yeah, I love it," Griffin said after a recent practice during organized team activities. "I think it's a perfect fit, a great opportunity, I love the defensive scheme that they have. I feel they put me in the right spot to be able to play my game how I'm used to playing it."

Griffin is also enjoying a full offseason of good health. He said that during 2022 training camp with the Jaguars he tore a back muscle, then played through the injury for five games, taking cortisone tablets that wore off by the fourth quarter. When he couldn't feel his leg, he decided to undergo surgery to address the issue around his L5 and S1 vertebrae.

He was cut by the Jaguars in March 2023. He signed with the Texans last year but said he wasn't the same player. He had been sidelined for six months and couldn't stay in shape. He felt he was still getting his legs under him during camp, when he had a backup role, as well as after injuries vaulted him into six starts last season.

Griffin said he has no such reservations this time around.

"Moving really well now," he said. "Way faster than I did last year."

Griffin ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the 2017 combine before the Seahawks drafted him in the third round.

I think he's going to be a surprise plus signing for Minnesota.

[MaroonBells]

So who is this guy? 

Seattle's 3rd round draft pick in 2017. Played really well for them, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2019. At the end of his rookie deal, Griffin was considered the top corner on the free agency market. Seattle tried hard to resign him, but Jags topped their offer. 

Jags gave him $44M, with $29 guaranteed, making him the 7th highest paid CB in the NFL. Played well for the Jags his 1st season. Wheels fell off in his 2nd season with the back injury and hasn't been the same since. 

At 28, can he get back to where he was? I'm skeptical. Texans tried, didn't work. Panthers tried, didn't work. He missed too much time and wasn't in shape. If he's 100% healthy now and back in NFL shape, Vikings may have gotten a steal. Worst case, he's good competition and veteran leadership in a CB room that desperately needs it.

[purplefaithful]

18-2020 is a long time ago now.

Anything positive we get from him leadership wise or snaps wise will be ok with me. Anything above and beyond that is just gravy.

[comet52]

18-2020 is a long time ago now.

Anything positive we get from him leadership wise or snaps wise will be ok with me. Anything above and beyond that is just gravy.

Mmmm, gravy!

[StickierBuns]

I will say this: Shaq looks a little pudgy. He's needed not only as vet presence and leader for the CBs, but he needs to ball as well. Lay off the McDonalds, Shaq.....