Just-Released Viking Signs with Panthers
The Akayleb Evans era in Minneapolis is formally over.
Just-Released Viking Signs with Panthers
The young cornerback, dropped the Minnesota Vikings last weekend, has been claimed by the Carolina Panthers, and Evans will script his career’s second chapter in the NFC South.
The Panthers’ main social media team straightforwardly tweeted Monday, “Panthers claim cornerback off waivers.”
The Vikings activated tight end Nick Muse before Sunday’s win over the Chicago Bears, and Evans was apparently the 53rd man on the 53-man roster. It’s also worth noting that the Vikings waived Muse, too, on Monday.
These are the Vikings’ cornerbacks without Evans:
- Stephon Gilmore
- Byron Murphy
- Shaquill Griffin
- Mekhi Blackmon (IR)
- Fabian Moreau
- Dwight McGlothern
- NaJee Thompson (IR)
- Nahshon Wright (Practice Squad)
Minnesota’s defense ranks first in the NFL per EPA/Play through 12 weeks, so the organization has not floundered with Evans on the sideline. He played just three defensive snaps in 2024 and saw the field for 83 special teams transactions.
The 25-year-old notably started 15 games for the Vikings in 2023, meaning his waiver wasn’t some anonymous player on his way out. Not long ago, many theorized Evans as a long-term solution at cornerback. No cigar.
Evans tallied a poor 54.9 Pro Football Focus Grade last season, along with a 120.4 passer-rating-against. When Minnesota signed Shaquill Griffin and Stephon Gilmore during the offseason, that turned out to be the nail in the coffin of Evans’ employment.
In 2022, Evans entered a game against the Washington Commanders as a rookie and immediately made an impact. He continued to show flashes of promise that season, but a regression soon hit in 2023.
This 2022 Vikings draft class is a frequent source of criticism — and for good reason:
- S Lewis Cine (Cut)
- CB Andrew Booth Jr. (Traded)
- OG Ed Ingram (RG2)
- LB Brian Asamoah (Special Teams)
- CB Akayleb Evans (Cut)
- DL Esezi Otomewo (Cut)
- Ty Chandler (RB3)
- OT Vederian Lowe (Traded)
- WR Jalen Nailor (WR3)
- TE Nick Muse (TE4)
The Vikings next play the Arizona Cardinals at home on Sunday and are favored to win by three or four points.
Carolina’s defense ranks 31st per EPA/Play through 12 weeks, so Evans may reside in a spot where he’ll see some playing time. These are the Panthers’ cornerbacks with the Evans addition:
- Jaycee Horn
- Mike Jackson
- Caleb Farley
- Shemar Bartholomew
- Dane Jackson
- Chau Smith-Wade
- Lonnie Johnson
- Anthony Brown (IR)
Carolina is approaching mathematical elimination from playoff contendership.
The Panthers also employ former Vikings players Mike Boone (RB), Dan Chisena (WR), Adam Thielen (WR), D.J. Wonnum (EDGE), and Xavier Woods (S).
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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