MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Vikings have signed cornerback Cedric Griffin to a contract extension.
Cedric Griffin
, CB
Minnesota Vikings
2008 Statistics
Tackles: 91
Forced Fumbles: 4
Interceptions: 1
Griffin declined to divulge terms of the deal announced on Friday, though he said it was similar in structure to the four-year contract he signed after the Vikings drafted him in the second round in 2006. That deal included $1.62 million guaranteed, though this contract is sure to be significantly higher because of his experience.
Griffin has started 38 games in three years. He has three career interceptions and has become one of the league's hardest-hitting cornerbacks, forming a formidable run-stopping tandem with fellow starter Antoine Winfield.
"He is an aggressive, physical, contact football player whose best football is in front of him," coach Brad Childress said.
Griffin has 224 tackles in the three years, and was third on the team in 2008 with 91.
"It feels good to know that someone's committed to you," Griffin said. "That really put it to me that I'm really going to be dedicated to them and give them my all. I'm already dedicated, but it just makes me that much more motivated."
Winfield, who made his first Pro Bowl last season, has one year left on his current contract.
"I believe we're a great tandem," Griffin said. "We both love to hit. We can both cover. When you've got corners that love playing the run game, you don't want to break that up."
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
