Ex-Viking Get the Ax from Current Team
Dustin Baker
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Former Vikings defensive end Stephen Weatherly was released by the Carolina Panthers on Friday. His exodus from the Panthers is the latest transaction amid a flurry of cap moves orchestrated by new Carolina general manager, Scott Fitterer.
The #Panthers are also releasing DE Stephen Weatherly and P Michael Palardy, per @JFowlerESPN. That will create an additional $8M in salary cap space.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) February 19, 2021
Weatherly, 27, played in Carolina for just one season after departing the Vikings around this time last year. With the Panthers, he was on the field for about one-third of all defensive snaps. He tallied 17 total tackles and no sacks – a dubious mark for a defensive end.
The Vanderbilt alumnus is now free to sign elsewhere as onlookers have witnessed for other defensive linemen like J.J. Watt or Kawann Short (although Weatherly is not that caliber of defender).
Carolina is cleaning house – plain and simple. The franchise is cutting meaty contracts ad nauseam as the new front office regime is molding the organization in the ilk of its choosing. Ultimately, former Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will probably be traded, too. Bridgewater dimed 15 touchdown passes in 15 games during 2020 in Carolina. With a sizzling defense that might do the trick but – this just in – the Panthers did not have a sizzling defense in 2020.
Weatherly can be considered a role player-type. At age 27, he will have options to play as a reservist defensive end outside the state of North Carolina.
Performance with the Vikings
Weatherly was an astute backup asset in Mike Zimmer’s scheme with the Vikings. He joined the franchise in 2016 via 7th Round pick and participated in 49 games with Minnesota while starting in seven of those contests.
He should not be perceived as a “solution” to the Vikings mini-problem at the other defensive spot opposite Danielle Hunter. Weatherly is Ifeadi Odenigbo-like with his aptitudes. That means he is a decent football player but not a standalone force like Hunter.
His best season with the Vikings transpired in 2018 when Weatherly notched a 66.8 Pro Football Focus grade. That dipped to 53.7 with Carolina last season. On the whole, Weatherly is a better run-stopper than pass-rusher.
In four seasons with the Vikings, Weatherly accrued six sacks and 13 tackles for loss. At the peak of his powers – 2018 – Weatherly played 50% of all defensive snaps. This was the season that former Viking, Everson Griffen, missed significant playing time.
Yes, a Reunion is Possible on This One
Every time a player is released during this time of year – he is a fit for the Vikings. Well, that’s the Twitter sentiment. The very best version of that player’s career is envisioned, so fans plop that idealized edition of the man back onto the Vikings depth chart. Sunshine and rainbows.
Sometimes, it happens. But usually, that player is not signed by Minnesota.
This one, though, has some legs. Minnesota could afford a little depth on the defensive line – especially from a man Zimmer trusts like Weatherly. And, Weatherly will not command a lofty contract.
Again, though — be guarded. Weatherly is a fill-in player that excels when expectations are lowered. His best football days occurred when Everson Griffen was off the field in 2018. At that time, Weatherly was quite good – but everything else on the defense was rocking and rolling.
Nothing rocked and rolled in 2020 for the Vikings defense.