3 Most Likely Free-Agent Destinations for Shaquem Griffin

It feels like the 2021 NFL Draft happened just yesterday, but teams have already turned back to free agency to flesh out their rosters. One remaining free agent who could make a difference is former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin.

The 25-year-old has spent all three seasons of his NFL career with the Seahawks. He suited up in 14 games in 2020 without a single start, recording 9 total tackles, 3 quarterback hits, one sack and one pass defended.

NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero reported on Monday that multiple teams have shown interest in Griffin, who could end up transitioning into a full-time pass-rushing role. With that being said, here's a look at the three most likely destinations for Griffin in free agency.

Shaquem Griffin Rumors

3. Minnesota Vikings

ProFootballFocus ranked the Minnesota Vikings as having the worst pass rush in the entire NFL last season. A big reason behind that is because defensive end Danielle Hunter missed the entire campaign with a neck injury. There's no telling how he'll look, or how the Vikings' edge-rushing prospects will turn out in their rookie season, so they may as well take a flyer on Griffin. He had a 66.5 PFF rating in 2020, so he should be able to handle a bigger role going forward. At this point in free agency, he'll likely go for cheap too, so there isn't much risk involved.

2. Cincinnati Bengals

Another team that had a dismal pass rush in 2020 happened to be the Cincinnati Bengals. PFF has pointed out that the Bengals had a 22.8% pressure rate (31st) when it came to their pass rush last season, which needs to be improved if they want to succeed. While they did draft prospects like Cameron Sample and Darius Hodge to help out, they could use some more depth, especially after not bringing back Geno Atkins. On a cheap deal, Griffin would provide Cincinnati with pass-rush depth. At the same time, the Bengals are lacking at the linebacker position, so he could end up assuming a role in that area too.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

While it's always nice to sign with a contender, sometimes personal connections can influence where a player ends up. Griffin could end up with the Jacksonville Jaguars because that's where his twin brother, Shaquill, plays. The brothers spent the past three years playing together on the Seattle Seahawks, but the cornerback bolted to sign a three-year, $44.5 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. If the Jaguars want to create a locker room presence that leads to success, they might seriously consider reuniting the Griffin brothers this season.

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