Report: Griffen opts out of Vikings contract with 3 years left

Minnesota Vikings pass-rusher Everson Griffen has opted out of the final three years of his contract, ESPN's Courtney Cronin reports.

Griffen earned the right to void his remaining years by meeting performance-related incentives in his deal: securing more than six sacks and playing more than 57% of defensive snaps during the 2019 season.

Though Griffen - who was set to count for $12.9 million against the cap in 2020 - could now enter the free-agent market, there's a belief that he will re-sign with the Vikings at a reduced price, according to Cronin.

Minnesota is currently $11 million over the salary cap, according to Over the Cap. Before reportedly opting out, Griffen's high cap figure made him a candidate to be cut.

The 10-year vet has spent his entire career with the Vikings. He's been named to the Pro Bowl four times, including in 2019.

Griffen missed five games during the 2018 campaign as he underwent treatment at a mental health facility after a number of incidents involving police and medical personnel.

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