4 recent Panthers departures who could make a playoff run in 2021

Stephen Weatherly – Former Carolina Panthers DE

• 2021 team – Minnesota Vikings

To say Stephen Weatherly’s time with the Carolina Panthers didn’t go according to plan would be something of an understatement.

A big opportunity awaited the defensive end to finally prove he was more than just a rotational player following his free-agent move from the Minnesota Vikings, but a poor start and a serious injury meant the writing was on the wall this offseason.

Weatherly was cut loose ahead of time, as expected. But the Vikings obviously aren’t ready to give up on the former seventh-round pick just yet after bringing him back after just one season.

This is probably going to see Weatherly revert back to being a key rotational piece on a defense that should return to the force of old after some exciting additions during the offseason.

However, Minnesota is currently facing a predicament with their stud edge rusher Danielle Hunter, who has been a no-show during their offseason program so far and is reportedly looking for a new deal despite missing the entire 2020 season with a neck injury.

Weatherly needs to be ready to shoulder more of the load if Hunter’s situation drags on. He’s benefitted significantly from Mike Zimmer’s scheme in the past and providing his experience in Carolina hasn’t damaged him too much, a potential bounce back in more familiar surroundings cannot be ruled out.

There is also an opportunity awaiting the Vikings in 2021 if things start well given the ongoing saga between Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.