Packers, free agent Everson Griffen have mutual interest

The Packers and free agent Everson Griffen reportedly have mutual interest in a deal.

The Green Bay Packers need to strengthen their defensive line, and a former divisional rival could help.

Free agent defensive lineman Everson Griffen, a four-time Pro Bowler with the Minnesota Vikings, could be the answer.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Packers and Griffen have mutual interest in a potential deal. Griffen, a fourth-round pick by the Vikings in 2010, spent 10 seasons with the Packers’ rivals but would undoubtedly give them an upgrade along the defensive line.

The best defenses have great pass-rushing depth. The Packers already have an excellent starting trio of Kenny Clark, Za’Darius Smith, and Preston Smith. Second-year Rashan Gary will also be expected to make a jump this season. By adding Griffen, this defense could reach the next level. Green Bay’s pass rush would arguably be the best in the league.

And there would be an opportunity to get Griffen, Clark, and the Smith Bros. all on the field at the same time. Especially in obvious passing situations.

Whether Griffen ends up signing with the Packers or if he is reunited with the Vikings remains to be seen. It’s also possible Griffen’s agent is using Green Bay’s interest as leverage in negotiations with the Vikings. Who knows?

But if there is mutual interest, GM Brian Gutekunst should do all he can to get the deal done.

Griffen would help the Packers’ run defense improve, something that is a real concern entering the 2020 season. He’d also give Mike Pettine yet another great pass rusher to work with.

Griffen would have the opportunity to help strengthen Green Bay’s defense and push for a Super Bowl this year.

Time will tell whether Gutekunst will make the deal, but there’s no doubting the impact Griffen could make in Pettine’s defense.