(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Former Vikings DE Stephen Weatherly agrees to sign with Panthers
The former 2016 seventh-round pick had carved out a role in the crowded Vikings defensive line, but found more money and likely more playing time in Carolina.
March 16, 2020 at 11:22PM
The first Vikings free agent agreed to sign elsewhere on Monday afternoon.
Defensive end Stephen Weatherly agreed to a two-year, $12.5 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, according to his agency Institute For Athletes. The former 2016 seventh-round pick had carved out a role in the crowded Vikings defensive line, but found more money and likely more playing time in Carolina, where the Snellville, Ga. native is also a roughly four-hour drive from home.
Weatherly, 25, started seven games for the Vikings, including during a six-game span for Everson Griffen in 2018. Aside from being a regular contributor on special teams, Weatherly had six sacks and a pass deflection in the past two years as a rotational defensive end.
The Vikings have 14 more unrestricted free agents, including defensive end Everson Griffen and cornerbacks Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander.
Mike Conley was in Minneapolis, where he sounded the Gjallarhorn at the Vikings game, on Sunday during the robbery.
