EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings added linebacker depth to their roster Tuesday with the signing of David Reese II.
The Michigan native is now one of nine linebackers on Minnesota's active 80-man roster.
Minnesota waived safety Brian Cole II, a seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, in a corresponding move.
Here are five things to know about the newest Minnesota Viking:
1. Second Opportunity
Reese was signed by the Panthers as an undrafted free agent after the 2020 NFL Draft. He was with Carolina for the virtual offseason and in the early part of camp, but was released over the weekend.
2. Former Florida Gator
Reese made at least four starts in each of his four seasons at Florida. He appeared in 46 total games, with 38 starts.
He recorded 324 career tackles for the Gators, adding 19.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and an interception.
3. Solid senior season
Reese was a Second-Team All-SEC selection during the 2019 season. He tallied 94 total tackles with 6.5 tackles for loss, a pair of sacks and a fumble recovery as Florida went 11-2 and finished the season as the nation's No. 10 team.
4. 2-point play
Reese did not score a touchdown in college, but he was credited with a scoring play on special teams in Florida's loss to Alabama in the 2016 SEC Championship.
Reese recovered a blocked extra point attempt late in the first quarter and returned it for a score, giving the Gators two points on the play.
It was the first the blocked extra point returned for a defensive PAT in the SEC Championship since 1997.
5. Michigan man
Reese grew up in Farmington, Michigan, which is roughly 30 minutes outside of downtown Detroit. He was a star at Farmington High School and was named to the 2015 Detroit News football Dream Team, as well as All-Metro North Teams in 2014 and 2015.
