Former Vikings Captain Munnerlyn and Charles Johnson to sign with Carolina

The Minnesota Vikings will head into 2017 without wide receiver Charles Johnson and defensive back Captain Munnerlyn who are expected to sign with Carolina.

While the Minnesota Vikings were buys locking down two offensive tackles in free agency, two of their own free agents moved on…and both agreed to terms with the same team on day 2 of free agency.

It has been reported that both wide receiver Charles Johnson and defensive back Captain Munnerlyn will be trading in their purple and gold Vikings jerseys for the teal of the Carolina Panthers.

Here is the tweet from Ian Rapoport announcing the reunion of Captain Munneryln with his former team:

Many Vikings fans were hoping that Minnesota would be able to retain Munnerlyn while the team continued to develop Mackensie Alexander as his eventual replacement at the nickel position of the defense.

His departure could mean that the Vikings are prepared to move forward with Alexander in 2017 or they could have another idea in place for nickel situations.

Munnerlyn was a 7th round draft pick of the Panthers in 2009. He played in Carolina until he joined the Vikings in 2014 and played through the 2016 season with Minnesota. Now, he returns to the Panthers on a four-year, $21 million deal.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Ben Goessling shared the news of Charles Johnson heading to Carolina as well:

The Vikings declined to tender Charles Johnson as a restricted free agent, opening him up to be signed by any team. After losing Ted Ginn Jr. in free agency, Carolina is likely looking for another potential target for Cam Newton.

Charles Johnson’s deal with the Panthers is being reported as a one-year deal worth $2.2 million.

Next: Vikings land OT Mike Remmers in free agency

We at The Viking Age would like to thank both Captain Munnerlyn and Charles Johnson for their time with the Minnesota Vikings and wish them nothing but the best in their future endeavors.