The Minnesota Vikings have an elite defense and it all starts with their front seven. From Danielle Hunter off the edge to the All-Pro Eric Kendricks at linebacker, Minnesota’s defense is loaded from top to bottom.

Heading into the offseason, most of the Vikings’ pivotal pieces on the defensive side of the ball are locked up, except for one of their veteran leaders. Defensive end Everson Griffen is set to become a free agent and the Vikings would be foolish to let one of their defensive leaders walk.

Not only has he been with the team since 2010, solidifying his stature as one of the team’s leaders, but he’s also been very consistent during his career.

Although Mike Zimmer has two young promising ends in Hunter and Ifeadi Odenigbo to work with, keeping Griffen around should be one of the Vikings’ top priorities.

Here are two huge reasons why Minnesota must do everything in their power to re-sign Griffen this offseason.