Alexander Shun | @alexpshun
Digital Content Manager | KFAN.com
I think it's safe to assume that Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen would like to see the team re-sign cornerback Captain Munnerlyn this offseason.
Munnerlyn's contract is up and the eight-year pro is now an unrestricted free agent, and while Munnerlyn has expressed his desire to remain in the purple and gold, there is uncertainty as to whether the Vikings will bring him back given the talent and depth that Minnesota's secondary already boasts.
Such an issue did not stop Griffen from expressing his desire to see the team re-sign Munnerlyn.
The two players appeared on KFAN's Vikings Country on Thursday night and Griffen spent a substantial amount of time appealing to Vikings management regarding Munnerlyn's potential contract.
"When are the Vikings going to sign you back? You know we need that nickel [cornerback]," Griffen said, speaking to Munnerlyn. "Tell the Vikings to sign you back. Tell [General Manager] Rick Spielman and [Head] Coach [Mike] Zimmer to quit playing now. They know we need you."
The Vikings have cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, Marcus Sherels and 2016 second-round draft pick Mackensie Alexander on the roster already and still have to make a decision as to whether to bring back Munnerlyn, Terence Newman or BOTH veteran cornerbacks.
Both Spielman and Zimmer have remained quiet on their plans for the team's secondary but if it were up to Griffen, it is evident that Munnerlyn (and likely Newman as well) would be back with the team next season.
"Rick Spielman and Coach Zimmer you better sign Captain back right now," Griffen insisted. "I'm done playing, I'm done playing. That Jordan picture has to stay in his locker."
As was noted previously, Munnerlyn expressed his desire to remain in Minnesota after the team's final game of the season on January 1 expressing how much he loved Minnesota and the guys on the team. Munnerlyn wants to stay but will the Vikings re-sign him? We'll have to wait and see.
You can here the complete interview with Griffen and Munnerlyn on the Purple on Demand podcast page or, to make it easier, you can simply CLICK HERE.