Forum The Longship Shamar Stephen needs to go

Shamar Stephen needs to go

ST
Joined Feb 2014
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Right now, he is counting about 5 million against the cap.  If we cut him, we can save 2.3 million on the cap.  While his dead money is about 2.6, which hurts, his play last year was bad.  I know that he is supposed to eat blockers to free up linebackers, but he didn’t do that well last year.  I know if we cut him, we’d be looking at 2 new starting defensive tackles, but I’m not so sure that’s a bad thing.

#1 · Mar 13, 3:42 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
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I think a combo of Watts and Johnson gets you a better pass rush and a slight downgrade in the run game. Now, if we can get a 3T @#58 and a NT in the 4th, we have a nice rotation, especially if someone lights a fire under Holmes.

#2 · Mar 13, 5:12 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
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There's been some talk about how "different" things are going to be next season. Having a new defensive line outside Hunter is certainly going to change our defense.

#3 · Mar 13, 5:27 PM
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Joined Apr 2026
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@"Studvike84" said:   I know that he is supposed to eat blockers to free up linebackers, but he didn’t do that well last year. 
   How did Kendricks make 1st team ALL-PRO if LJ and Stephens didn't play well?
#4 · Mar 13, 6:16 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
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Not sure who said LJ didn’t play well - maybe that was a different thread?  Regarding Stephen, he had his lowest rated season (61.2) according to PFF.  He also had the lowest amount of tackles (21) of his career (except when he was hurt and went on IR in his second year with the Vikes.)  There were many reasons why Kendricks was all-pro, most notably his coverage skills.  Was there something that impressed you about Stephens’ play this year, Matty?  Do you think he is worth his 5 million dollar price tag?

#5 · Mar 13, 8:39 PM
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Forum The Longship Shamar Stephen needs to go

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