Vikings re-sign DE Everson Griffen to 5-year, $42.5 million deal

Everson Griffen has 17.5 sacks in the last 3 seasons for the Vikings. (Tom Dahlin/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Vikings have re-signed defensive end Everson Griffen to a contract worth $42.5 million over five years.

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports the Vikings have agreed to a deal that will guarantee Griffen $20 million despite the fourth-year player's relatively limited playing time. Griffen appeared in all 16 games for Minnesota in each of the last three seasons, and has accrued 17.5 sacks in that time, while recording only one start.

The team's long term commitment to Griffen was likely influenced by fellow Vikings defensive end Jared Allen's decision to test the free agent market this offseason.

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