Packers could regret not signing edge rusher Everson Griffen

The Packers could regret not signing Everson Griffen.

If there’s good news, it’s that edge rusher Everson Griffen won’t be returning to the Minnesota Vikings this season and playing against the Green Bay Packers twice.

The bad news is that Griffen will be playing for one of the Packers’ NFC rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, led by former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported last month that the Packers were among the teams interested in signing Griffen, who was a free agent. According to Rapoport, the interest was mutual between Griffen and the Packers.

Griffen would’ve made Green Bay’s pass rush one of the best in the league, joining Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, and Rashan Gary in Mike Pettine’s defense. But that won’t be happening now, with Ian Rapoport reporting on Wednesday that Griffen is signing a one-year, $6 million deal with the Cowboys.

The Cowboys could be serious Super Bowl contenders this season. McCarthy already has a great offense to work with, and now the defense is improved. He can help Dak Prescott take his game to the next level. Dallas has a strong offensive line, an All-Pro running back, Ezekiel Elliott, and one of the league’s best receiving trios with Pro Bowler Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and CeeDee Lamb.

Dallas had a top 10 defense last season, but now adds a top pass rusher in Griffen.

Griffen would’ve given Pettine more pass-rushing options. He had eight sacks last year and is still a great edge rusher. He’d also help Green Bay’s run defense improve.

The Packers aren’t scheduled to meet the Cowboys this season unless it’s in the playoffs. But there’s no doubt Griffen would’ve been a good addition to this defense, and on a one-year deal, he’d have helped Green Bay challenge for another Super Bowl.

Instead, the Pro Bowl pass rusher strengthens the Cowboys, helping them become one of the NFC’s top teams in 2020.