Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen is moving on from the team.

Griffen says that it is with a "heavy heart that I say goodbye, I leave Minnesota in the best physical and mental shape I have ever been and have many Pro Bowl seasons to come."

Griffen's announcement was not expected as it was just a few weeks ago that coach Mike Zimmer said he expected Griffen would return to Minnesota for the 2020 season. Griffen voluntarily voided the remaining three years on his contract with the Vikings to free up more than $13 million salary cap space, and the team was hoping to sign him to a new deal.

Griffen has spent ten seasons with the Vikings.  He was drafted by the Vikings in the fourth round back in 2010.