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By Judd Zulgad |

Former Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen headed to Cowboys

NFL: Denver Broncos at Minnesota Vikings
Nov 17, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) reacts to a penalty on the field during a game against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Berding-USA TODAY Sports

Everson Griffen’s long stint on the NFL free agent market came to an end on Wednesday when the defensive end agreed to terms with the Dallas Cowboys, according to NFL Network.

ESPN reported that Griffen agreed to a one-year, $6 million deal that includes a $3 million base salary and $3 million in roster bonuses. The Vikings made a “competitive offer” to retain Griffen, according to Darren Wolfson of KSTP-TV and SKOR North. The Seattle Seahawks also were reportedly in the mix.

Griffen, a fourth-round pick of the Vikings in 2010, voided the final three years of his contract with the team in February after getting eight sacks in 15 games. If Griffen expected to sign quickly, it didn’t happen as the the coronavirus pandemic stopped free agents from visiting teams and left several players sitting on the market.

Griffen, 32, had 74.5 sacks in 10 seasons with the Vikings, including a career-high 13 in 2017. The Vikings’ two starting defensive ends — Griffen and Danielle Hunter — combined for 22.5 sacks last season.

The Vikings will give Ifeadi Odenigbo a chance to replace Griffen at right end. Odenigbo, a seventh-round pick out of Northwestern in 2017, had seven sacks last season.

Griffen’s presence will give the Cowboys another player who can provide pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Here’s that list:

The Vikings are scheduled to play host to the Cowboys on Nov. 22.