The Minnesota Vikings got their start in free agency by reportedly agreeing to terms with defensive tackle Shamar Stephen on a three-year deal.
It’s that time of year when players change teams and large amounts of money are exchanged to help teams like the Minnesota Vikings create as competitive of a roster as possible for the upcoming NFL season.
The first outside deal being reported involves a familiar face to fans in Minnesota, as ESPN Insider Dan Graziano states that defensive tackle Shamar Stephen will be returning to the Vikings on a three-year deal.
Here is Graziano’s post on Twitter sharing news of the deal:
Source: DT Shemar Stephen plans to sign a three-year deal with the Vikings.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) March 12, 2019
With Sheldon Richardson and Tom Johnson both being free agents, the Vikings are smart to sign some depth on the interior of the defensive line in the event they are unable to bring either of those former starters back.
Meanwhile, Stephen brings starting experience back to the Vikings. During his first four seasons in the league with Minnesota, he started 20 games. In 52 total contests wearing purple and gold, he had 93 tackles (41 solo), two fumble recoveries, and one sack.
He spent his 2018 season with the Seattle Seahawks where he got 14 more starts and added two sacks to his total while playing in the Emerald City. Now, he will reportedly bring his talents back to compete for the starting job next to Linval Joseph for the next three seasons.
Keep in mind that even if two sides agree to the terms of a deal that nothing can become official until free agency officially starts on Wednesday, Mar. 14 at 3 pm CT. Plus, reports can be wrong or change, as fans have learned already this season.
It will be nice to see Shamar Stephen back in a Minnesota Vikings jersey during the 2019 NFL season and he should be some great competition for whoever else the team brings in at defensive tackle this offseason in free agency or the draft.