The Carolina Panthers have claimed Canadian defensive lineman Luiji Vilain off the Minnesota Vikings’ practice roster.
The Ottawa native joined the Vikings after going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft and dressed for three regular season games last year, recording four tackles. He spent most of his rookie season on Minnesota’s practice roster.
The six-foot-four, 252-pound edge rusher was waived by Minnesota after training camp this year and placed on the practice roster, where he remained until the Panthers came calling.
Vilain originally attended the University of Michigan but transferred to Wake Forest in 2021 and recorded 34 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
Vilain was selected by the Toronto Argonauts in the third round of the 2021 CFL Draft. He elected not to enter the professional ranks that year as he transferred to the Demon Deacons, however the Argos still hold his exclusive CFL rights.
The Panthers are currently ranked last in the NFC South with an 0-6 record.
