Defensive end Stephen Weatherly is coming back to Minnesota, with the Vikings picking up the free agent on Thursday.
Weatherly was drafted by the Vikings in the 7th round of the 2016 Draft, but left in 2020 to sign a two-year free agent contract with the Carolina Panthers.
After starting the first nine games for Carolina, he was placed on the IR in November after suffering a finger injury that required surgery.
He was released last month, and the Vikings have now swooped to bring him back as they bulk up a defensive line that was riddled with injuries in 2020.
Weatherly confirmed the move on Instagram, posting a video of his time at the Vikings and writing: “Back to the Twin City for round 2!”
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin says he’s signing a one-year deal, while the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson addresses the cap situation.
Defensive end Stephen Weatherly is re-signing with the Vikings after spending last season with Carolina. The defensive end wrote “back to the Twin City for round 2!” in an Instagram post this morning. It’s a one year deal, per source.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) March 4, 2021
#Vikings are $5 million over cap but can officially sign Stephen Weatherly whenever they want before start of new league year March 17 They just have to be at the cap then. Weatherly expects to sign very soon & is waiting for the contract to arrive in Arizona, where he's training
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 4, 2021
