Note: Ahead of free agency next week, when formal talks with other teams can begin March 16 before signings start March 18, we'll preview the reasons for and against re-signing the Vikings' top five unrestricted free agents and give you our projection.
No. 5: Defensive end Stephen Weatherly
The overhaul looming for the Vikings defense, which may see high-priced veterans Xavier Rhodes and Linval Joseph restructured or released this month, threatens to most affect the defensive line and secondary. Change may trickle down to the bench, where defensive end Stephen Weatherly became a shining example for younger players and a face of the Vikings' draft-and-develop philosophy. He's also a pending free agent.
If it were up to Weatherly, the 227th overall pick in the 2016 draft, he would re-sign before next Wednesday. But will the Vikings find the room for a worthwhile offer? The answer, regarding both playing time and available money, are likely factors for Weatherly and his representatives.
"I do have a second family here and it does feel like home," Weatherly said in December. "To continue to play here would be outstanding."
Reasons to re-sign
Weatherly has brought reliability on and off the field to the Vikings defensive line. His willingness to handle any assignment continued in Year 4 as he moved to an interior rusher on passing downs, taking him away from end where he thrived during six starts for Everson Griffen in 2018. While Weatherly didn't make his mark as an interior pass rusher, he's an underrated run defender whose 30 stops in the last two seasons weren't far behind Griffen's 37 despite fewer opportunities. He's also led the defensive line room in special teams snaps during two of the past three seasons. Off the field, Weatherly is considered a model teammate and is among the most charitable players with his time spent in the Twin Cities communities.
Reasons to move on
