It only took two days for the Cowboys to shop Everson Griffen.
Two days.
On Sunday, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer, the Cowboys had begun shopping the defensive end. The former Minnesota Vikings edge rusher signed a one-year contract with $3 million in guarantees with the Cowboys this offseason.
Instead of finishing with Dallas, the team elected to sell high on Griffen. The 32year old was traded to the Detroit Lions according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
“Trade! #Cowboys DE Everson Griffen is being traded to the #Lions in exchange for draft pick compensation, sources say. Detroit, winners of two in a row, added a big-time veteran pass-rusher.”
According to Rapoport, the Lions sent a compensatory sixth-round pick.
One has to wonder if Griffen found out through social media. When the rumors began circulating, Griffen had not received any word that he is on the market. According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Griffen “has not heard Dallas is looking to trade him.”
“Just got off the phone w/ #Cowboys DE Everson Griffen regarding new report he’s available in a trade: “I don’t think the #Cowboys want to trade me. I haven’t heard that.” Meanwhile, I’m also told via source, “(The team hasn’t) shopped him officially. People have asked about him.”
After 10 seasons with the Vikings, Griffen was let go. In seven games with the Cowboys, he has 20 tackles and 2.5 sacks as a backup.
Could this be the start of a firesale, or are the Cowboys just selling a player while his stock is high? Despite falling to 2-5 after their 25-3 loss to the Washington Football Team on Sunday, the Cowboys trail the 2-4-1 Philadelphia Eagles by 0.5 games. Not to mention, the Cowboys could take sole possession of first place with a win over the Eagles next week.
The Lions pulled back to 3-3 and appear to be ready to make a run at the seventh spot in the playoffs.