Shamar Stephen leaving Minnesota Vikings for Seattle Seahawks
By Adam Carlson
The Seattle Seahawks are adding another former Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman as reports of Shamar Stephen leaving were announced on Twitter.
Following the news that former Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson would be signing with the Seattle Seahawks, news came that another defender from the Land of 10,000 Lakes would be making the trip to the Emerald City for the 2018 NFL season.
Recently, NFL Network and NFL.com reporter Tom Pelissero revealed that defensive lineman Shamar Stephen would be making the jump to Seattle during free agency on a one-year contract.
Check out the tweet from Pelissero revealing the news of the transaction as shared on his official Twitter account.
The #Seahawks are signing another former #Vikings DT Shamar Stephen, source said. It’s a one-year deal.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 24, 2018
Stephen was an asset on the defensive line for Minnesota up until an injury derailed him during the playoffs. However, Pelissero reported there were hopes that he could return to Minnesota and be ready to play next season.
New #Seahawks DT Shamar Stephen suffered a meniscus injury in the playoffs and had surgery. But he should be healthy by OTAs, source said. #Vikings had hoped to retain him.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 24, 2018
Stephen is only 27 years old and has played in 52 games over his career since being a seventh-round selection of the Vikings in the 2014 NFL Draft, being picked with the #220 overall selection.
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According to Pro Football Reference, Stephen had 41 total tackles with one sack during his four seasons with Minnesota, adding two fumble recoveries and one sack as well.
The Seattle Seahawks are getting a quality defensive lineman who will be able to do anything asked of him. Steven and Johnson will both be huge assets for them, as both have proved during their time with the Vikings.
With Minnesota allowing Tom Johnson and Shamar Stephen to leave in free agency and the team closing the door on former first-round draft pick Sharrif Floyd, Minnesota will need huge production from Linval Joseph, Sheldon Richardson, and Jaleel Johnson as well as any other new face added in free agency or the draft.
Next: Which remaining 2018 free-agents could the Vikings sign?
As usual, we at The Viking Age would like to wish nothing but the best for Shamar Stephen during his NFL career and beyond as well as thank him for his time spent with the Minnesota Vikings.