Inside The Vikings

Report: OLB Luiji Vilain Poached Off Vikings' Practice Squad By Panthers

Vilain was active for Monday night's game against the 49ers.
Will Ragatz|
Report: OLB Luiji Vilain Poached Off Vikings' Practice Squad By Panthers
Report: OLB Luiji Vilain Poached Off Vikings' Practice Squad By Panthers

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Minnesota Vikings

The Carolina Panthers are signing outside linebacker Luiji Vilain off the Vikings' practice squad, according to Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz.

Vilain was elevated for Monday night's game against the 49ers. He didn't appear on defense at all, but did play 14 special teams snaps, which was third-most on the team.

The Vikings signed Vilain as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and he made their initial 53-man roster. He spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad, appearing in games against the Dolphins, Colts, and Bears. Vilain played 35 defensive snaps and 58 on special teams in 2022, recording four total tackles and one quarterback pressure.

A 6'4", 252-pound edge rusher, Vilain began his college career at Michigan and appeared in six games across two seasons with a limited role. He transferred to Wake Forest in 2021 and had a big breakout season, recording eight sacks and two forced fumbles.

Now he's headed to Carolina, where he'll look to earn playing time for the league's only winless team. It makes sense for the rebuilding Panthers to take a look at someone like Vilain, who may have upside as he continues developing.

The Vikings now have a spot open on their practice squad. With Marcus Davenport on injured reserve, they used just three OLBs — Danielle Hunter, D.J. Wonnum, and Pat Jones II — against the 49ers. Undrafted rookie Andre Carter II was a healthy scratch. They also have Benton Whitley on the practice squad.

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Will Ragatz
WILL RAGATZ

Will Ragatz is a senior writer for Vikings On SI, who also covers the Twins, Timberwolves, Gophers, and other Minnesota teams. He is a credentialed Minnesota Vikings beat reporter, covering the team extensively at practices, games and throughout the NFL draft and free agency period. Ragatz attended Northwestern University, where he studied at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. During his time as a student, he covered Northwestern Wildcats football and basketball for SB Nation’s Inside NU, eventually serving as co-editor-in-chief in his junior year. In the fall of 2018, Will interned in Sports Illustrated’s newsroom in New York City, where he wrote articles on Major League Baseball, college football, and college basketball for SI.com.

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