4 free agents the Vikings should consider signing for a playoff run
By Randy Smith
Shamar Stephen – DL
Shamar Stephen, like Sheldon Richardson, is another defensive lineman that is a familiar name to Vikings fans, and he’s someone who’s also had multiple stints in the Twin Cities.
The 31-year-old played for Minnesota from 2014 to 2017 before leaving for the Seattle Seahawks in 2018, then returning to the Vikings from 2019 to 2020.
Last year, Stephen played for the Denver Broncos, where he was coached by current Vikings defensive coordinator Ed Donatell. While not a marquee name, if the veteran is looking for a home, Minnesota could use his services for the third time.
If Richardson isn’t what Minnesota is looking for, and they feel they need help on the defensive line, Stephen would know the organization and roughly what to expect out of Donatell and company.
With the injury to Davlin Tomlinson, and the trade for Ross Blacklock not going as some may have hoped, extra bodies on the defensive front could help. Stephen’s familiarity could make him a cheap plug-and-play rotational player should the team want to beef up their line.
A veteran minimum contract would only cost the Vikings $900,000, and a familiar face with that’s experienced in Donatell’s defense wouldn’t hurt in a ”kick the tires” situation.