Minnesota Vikings cut two former starters for final roster

The Minnesota Vikings cut two veterans in pass rusher Everson Griffen and running back Ameer Abdullah.

Griffen was signed just a week ago after spending the 2020 season in Dallas and with the Lions. Prior to the 2020 season, Griffen spent ten seasons in Minnesota.

Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported that despite his release, Griffen could be back with the Vikings soon.

“The Vikings’ cuts included DE Everson Griffen, who just re-signed days ago, but don’t be surprised if he’s back later in the week. Griffen wants to finish his career in Minnesota and many teams are releasing veterans to free up roster spots for a day or two.”

In his ten-year Minnesota career, Everson Griffen recorded 74.5 sacks, 355 tackles, 190 quarterback hits and nine forced fumbles.

Last season in Dallas, Griffen recorded six sacks in 14 total games with the Cowboys and Lions.

In his career, Griffen has made four Pro Bowls and received second-team All-Pro honors in 2017.

Ameer Abdullah spent nearly three seasons in Minnesota. After being waived by the Lions in 2018, Abdullah signed with the Vikings, playing in seven games in Minneapolis that season.

Over the last two seasons, Abdullah appeared in every regular-season game, recording 303 total yards and three touchdowns from scrimmage. Abdullah’s primary contributions came on special teams. In his Minnesota career, he recorded 38 kick returns for 935 yards, averaging 24.6 yards per return.

Prior to his time in Minnesota, Ameer Abdullah spent four seasons in Detroit. In four years, the Nebraska product recorded 1,363 kick return yards, averaging 27.8 yards per return. He led the league in kick return yards in 2015. Abdullah also rushed for 1251 yards and six touchdowns, adding 420 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Everson Griffen entered the league in 2010 after three seasons at USC. In his three years, Griffen had 84 tackles, 18 sacks, 21 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.

Griffen’s release leaves the Vikings with ten defensive linemen: Jalyn Holmes, Danielle Hunter, Patrick Jones II, James Lynch, Michael Pierce, Sheldon Richardson, Dalvin Tomlinson, Armon Watts, Stephen Weatherly and D.J. Wonnum.

Ameer Abdullah entered the league in 2015 after a storied career at Nebraska. In four seasons in Lincoln, Abdullah recorded 4,588 rushing yards, 690 receiving yards and 46 touchdowns. Abdullah also recorded 1,492 kick return yards. He received First-team All-Big Ten honors in 2013 and Second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2014.

His release leaves the Vikings with three running backs: Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison and Kene Nwangwu.