Vikings veteran feels like he can get back to his Pro Bowl form thanks to Minnesota's defense

Picking a new home during free agency can be a tough decision. Most of the time, an NFL player is entering an important chapter in his career and where he ends up can have an impact on either side of the spectrum.

But, for Shaquill Griffin, it was an easy decision to join the Minnesota Vikings.

"Oh yea, oh yea, oh yea. It was something that we were talking about, especially me and my agent," Griffin told reporters when asked if he "keyed in" on the Vikings back in February. "He dealt with all the financials and all that stuff. I focus more on scheme, so [it was] something that we talked about a lot... 

"... I feel like it's a perfect opportunity."

The 2019 Pro Bowler has been looking for a more-permanent home after playing for two teams in 2023. Sure, he's on a one-year prove-it deal with the Vikings, but the infrastructure and environment around him is one that he can use to get back to his old ways.

"I feel like the main thing is, one, they accepted me, especially for my game," said Griffin. "I feel like I'm crystal clear. So I feel like the scheme that they're trying to hone in on this year - I feel like it's perfect, you know, for the way I play. And they had to see that, first, before I even signed up, which is great...

"... Everything about this environment was perfect for me to get back to playing how I used to play." 

The Houston Texans signed Griffin to a one-year, $3.5 million deal during the 2023 offseason, but he was inconsistent, to say the least, and it resulted in a mid-season release. He played just 10 games with the Texans before the Carolina Panthers picked him up off waivers.

Griffin played in Weeks 15 and 16 and played solid. He allowed three receptions for 67-yards over the course of six total targets and 34 coverage snaps, along with a pass break-up. 

The late-season rise in play would make sense, because Griffin was coming off a mid-season back injury that required surgery and ended his 2023 season early. Stuff like that takes time to come back from, so it's logical to think the December schedule, plus the fact the Panthers ramped him for a couple of games before putting him on the field. Still, Griffin's efforts weren't enough to prevent him from becoming a healthy scratch for the season finale.

"I feel like the hardest part for me was probably last year, you know, bouncing off the back surgery," said Griffin. "Being out for 5-6 months and kind of jumping right into it. This year, I have a full offseason. So, it's been phenomenal. I feel like I've had no issues with the back, since then.

"Nothing has been stressful. I get a chance to really work my craft, come in really in shape for the season. Last year... they didn't give me no time for nothing. So this year, I get a full offseason. So it feels a lot different."

Griffin is currently the leading candidate to win the starting job opposite Byron Murphy Jr. and so far, he's been making plays during OTAs. There's obviously still a long way to go, but if he can indeed get back to even 80% of his prior play, the Vikings secondary will be in pretty good shape heading into 2024.