Veteran safety Michael Griffin is impressed by the Vikings' young defensive core and experienced leadership.
"This defense is already good. … This team is right there," said Griffin, one of the Vikings offseason free-agent signings. "I'm just here to try and fit in and make this football team and work hard and do the things I can do. Watching the playoff game from last year, it was a game they should have won. You saw they had a lot of the tools and things to get the job done and get to the Super Bowl and get to the playoffs. It's just a great situation to come in to."
The Vikings signed the 31-year-old Griffin to a one-year, $2.5 million contract. Griffin likely will compete for a starting job next to standout safety Harrison Smith. The Vikings re-signed safety Andrew Sendejo to a four-year deal this offseason, and he could shift into a backup role. Whatever role Griffin plays, he says he's OK with it.
Jason Gonzalez
