Vikings make surprise release of Everson Griffen; will they bring him back?

Cutdown day in the NFL always brings surprises. Consider Everson Griffen one of them.

The Minnesota Vikings released Griffen on Tuesday, eight days after signing the veteran defensive end who previously played 10 seasons with the franchise. The roster move was one of many as the Vikings and the rest of the NFL met the deadline to trim their rosters to 53 players. Running back/returner Ameer Abdullah was also among the Vikings' cuts.

The Vikings also completed a trade for New York Jets tight end Chris Herndon, sending a fourth-round draft pick to New York while also receiving a sixth-round pick in return, per NFL Network. The Vikings are in need of tight end help after Irv Smith Jr. suffered a knee injury in their preseason finale.

Will Vikings bring Griffen back?

Griffen's release doesn't necessarily mean that he's done in Minnesota. In fact, reports from Vikings beat writers suggest that he may return and that his release could end up being a procedural move.

Waiving Griffen obviously opens up the risk that he could end up on another team. But it sounds like the Vikings intend to bring him back if they can.

Griffen made four Pro Bowls while playing with the Vikings from 2010-19. He spent last season playing with the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions before lobbying in the offseason to return to Minnesota. So it seems like Griffen would still return to the Vikings if given the choice. Even if he doesn't have the utmost confidence in quarterback Kirk Cousins.