Veteran free agent linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill has signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings, the team announced on Wednesday.
Grugier-Hill spent one season in Carolina, initially joining the organization to serve as a key special teams player but after a solid training camp and injuries at the position, he found himself being a bigger part of the defense appearing in 38% of the team's snaps on the year.
In 17 games (five starts), Grugier-Hill recorded 56 tackles, two tackles for loss, two passes defended, one interception, one QB hit, and one sack.
The Panthers likely knew Grugier-Hill would be departing in free agency which is why they attempted to sign linebacker Justin Strnad, a free agent who spent the last four years with the Denver Broncos. The two sides agreed to a deal, but after thinking it through Strnad opted to return to Denver.
Claudin Cherelus, Josey Jewell, DJ Johnson, Eku Leota, Shaq Thompson, Luiji Vilain, and Chandler Wooten are currently the only linebackers on the Panthers' roster. GM Dan Morgan will likely add at least 2-3 more to this group before the team opens training camp in July.
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