Shamar Stephen spent the 2018 season with the Seahawks but will return to the Vikings next season. The free agent defensive tackle will sign a three-year deal with Minnesota, Dan Graziano of ESPN.com tweets.
The Seahawks used Stephen as a starter for most of their playoff-qualifying campaign. Stephen was a full-time starter for the 2016 Vikings but was used as a backup prior to his free agency defection.
This move may be a more cost-effective option than retaining Sheldon Richardson, but it’s not certain the high-profile interior defender is out of the picture for the Vikings just yet. Although, Minnesota is low on cap space.
Stephen’s impending Twin Cities return will continue the Seattle-to-Minnesota defensive line pipeline. Richardson joined the Vikings in 2018, and after a short Seahawks stay, Tom Johnson returned to the Vikings after being cut last year. Johnson is also a free agent.
A seventh-round Vikings pick in 2014, Stephen registered a career-high two sacks last season. He played 538 snaps with the Seahawks, grading as Pro Football Focus’ No. 98 overall interior defender in 2018.