Everson Griffen gets huge 4-year, $58 million extension from Vikings after back-to-back Pro Bowls

Everson Griffen may not be the first name that comes to mind when elite pass rushers are discussed, but now he’ll be paid like one of the elite sack artists of the NFL. The Minnesota Vikings announced an extension for Griffen on Wednesday and, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, it will average $14.5 million per season.

Rapoport says it’s a four-year, $58 million extension for Griffen with $34 million in guarantees. The veteran defensive end was under contract through the 2018 season, so the extension will now keep him in Minnesota through 2022, which could mean Griffen ends his NFL career with the team. That’s Griffen’s plan.

Griffen, 29, earned the extension with back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons in the last two years. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL draft, but didn’t step in as a full-time starter until 2014 when he re-signed in Minnesota on a five-year, $42.5 million contract.

While it was a huge deal at the time for a player who had only played as a rotational player, it was worth the investment for the Vikings when Griffen developed into one of the best every-down defensive ends in the NFL.

In the last three seasons, Griffen has tallied 30.5 sacks. Only J.J. Watt, Von Miller, Ryan Kerrigan, and Justin Houston have had more over that span.

His numbers may be even more impressive considering he comes off the right side of the defensive line and has to face left tackles, who often the best offensive linemen on the opposing offense.

Last season, the Vikings’ uniform office misspelled Griffen’s name on his jersey. After back-to-back Pro Bowls and a giant contract extension, it might be time to remember the name and get it right.