Seahawks To Sign DT Shamar Stephen

The Seahawks continue to add depth to their defensive line, signing free-agent defensive tackle Shamar Stephen to a one-year deal, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (on Twitter). Stephen becomes the second former Vikings defensive lineman to sign with the Seahawks in as many days, with Tom Johnson agreeing to a deal with Seattle on Friday.

The Seahawks confirmed the signing Saturday afternoon.

Peliserro also noted (on Twitter) that Stephen sustained a meniscus injury in the postseason and has already undergone surgery this offseason. But he’s expected to be ready for OTAs and the Vikings had also wanted to re-sign him.

Stephen, 27, appeared in 15 games last year, making one start and collected a sack after starting all 16 games for the Vikings in 2016. The Vikings took Stephen in the seventh round of the 2014 draft. Stephen took a visit with the Seahawks earlier this week and had also taken a visit with the Lions. Minnesota signed former Seahawks defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson earlier this month.

Along with Johnson, Stephen is set to join a group of Seattle interior defensive linemen that includes Jarran ReedNazair Jones, and Garrison Smith. The Seahawks also have Malik McDowell at defensive tackle after the 2017 second-round pick spent his rookie year on the Non-Football Injury List. McDowell’s status for 2018 still remains in question, though.

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