The Minnesota Vikings made headlines over the weekend when reports surfaced of Super Bowl-winning cornerback Stephon Gilmore’s signing. Shaq Griffin is part of the same position room, and there are now positive developments on that front as well.
Shaq Griffin practices for Minnesota Vikings on Monday
Brian Flores has seen the cornerback position scrutinized all offseason for the Minnesota Vikings. Tragedy took Khyree Jackson before his career even started. Mekhi Blackmon went down with a season-ending injury. It has been a tough series of events. Shaq Griffin returning to the field after suffering a hamstring strain is another positive reality though.
This offseason Griffin was the lone veteran addition at the cornerback spot. Once Stephon Gilmore joined the team the position appeared set. Griffin is expected to play on the outside, opposite Byron Murphy Jr. With Gilmore in the fold there is some shuffling to be done, but the Vikings now have a three headed monster.
Related: Stephon Gilmore Finally Hops Aboard the 2024 Minnesota Vikings Ship
Minnesota has just a couple of weeks left before the regular season kicks off. That should be enough time for Griffin to get back into game shape.
Minnesota Vikings cornerbacks positioned well with healthy Shaq Griffin return
It’s legitimately crazy how quickly the fortunes of a team can turn. That’s exactly what has happened for the Minnesota Vikings. Gilmore’s signing raises the water level of the group as a whole. Griffin being healthy rounds out the top trio.
The Vikings brought Griffin in believing he could be a legitimate asset alongside Byron Murphy Jr. The addition of Gilmore takes pressure off of both veterans. A group that had bodies now seems to have depth given the realistic responsibilities for those players a bit further down the depth chart.
Griffin was a former third round pick and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2019. Health issues had him on the field for just 13 games and seven starts between the Texans and Panthers last season. He hasn’t played a complete season since that 2019 year, but recorded his first interception since 2020 last year. A fresh start with Minnesota, and a clean bill of health, could be exactly what the 29-year-old needs.
Related: Does Stephon Gilmore Fix the Minnesota Vikings’ Cornerback Issues?
Flores has seen his defense turn over at a few key positions this offseason. He started a positive trend as last season went on. With Sam Darnold under center and offensive uncertainty, the hope would be that this group can continue the momentum.
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