Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen can void the remainder of his contract and become a free agent after the season, multiple outlets reported.
The three-time Pro Bowl selection’s contract, which runs through the 2022 campaign, contained an opt-out clause for reaching certain performance benchmarks.
According to ESPN and the Minneapolis Star Tribune, one of those benchmarks was six sacks — a total he exceeded in Week 11. He entered Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears with eight sacks, along with 41 tackles and one interception in 15 starts.
Griffen, 32, is schedule to make $12.9 million next season.
Minnesota’s fourth-round pick in 2010, Griffen has 74 1/2 sacks in 147 career games (88 starts) with the Vikings.