EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — It didn't take long for former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Cedric Griffin to find a new team.
A spokesperson for Griffin's agent, Brian Overstreet, confirmed to FOXSportsNorth.com on Friday that Griffin will sign with the Washington Redskins. Several news outlets have reported that it's a one-year, $2.5 million deal. Griffin, cut by Minnesota on March 10, was a second-round draft pick by the Vikings in 2006 and developed into a steady, all-around defensive back until his career was derailed by two separate knee surgeries.
Griffin made his way back to Minnesota's lineup for the beginning of last season and started 14 games. But he was benched during a late-season game against Detroit and reportedly clashed with coaches after he apparently lost confidence and the ability to execute the plays that were called. He finished with 67 tackles, three forced fumbles and one interception.
The Vikings cut Griffin despite having little depth in the secondary. Griffin, 29, had three years and $14.4 million remaining on his contract.
The 6-foot, 203-pound corner will get the chance to re-establish himself with the Redskins, whose starters are DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson. Young corners Kevin Barnes and Brandyn Thompson are also on the Washington roster.
Longtime Vikings guard Steve Hutchinson, also cut Saturday, signed Thursday with the Tennessee Titans.
Onatolu to Panthers: Free-agent linebacker Kenny Onatolu, a Vikings special teams ace, agreed to a three-year contract with the Carolina Panthers on Friday. Onatolu was a restricted free agent but was not tendered a deal. He had 15 special teams tackles last season while playing in all 16 games. He was also a backup linebacker and started one game in 2011. He reunites with former Vikings special teams coordinator Brian Murphy, who holds the same position with Carolina.
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