The Carolina Panthers are entering a new regime under Matt Rhule, and it seems as if they are prioritizing the team's pass-rushing unit. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Stephen Weatherly has inked a deal with Carolina.

Weatherly began his career as a seventh-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2016. For the past four seasons, the Vanderbilt product has been a rotational defender in Mike Zimmer's defense. When you have Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter in front of you on the depth chart, it's tough to receive playing time.

Though, in the past two seasons alone, Weatherly saw his role in the defense increase with Vikings. Due to seeing more snaps, Weatherly totaled six sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles over the past two seasons.

Last offseason, the Panthers added Brian Burns in the draft and signed Bruce Irvin. However, both Irvin and Mario Addison are set to hit free agency for Carolina. Given that, Weatherly figures to have a prominent role with the Panthers after signing a two-year, $12.5 million deal.

Besides their edge positions, the Panthers are in jeopardy of losing Gerald McCoy and Vernon Butler in the interior as well. Despite having a dismal season in 2019, the Panthers combined for 53 sacks in 2019 (second-most in the NFL).

Of those 53 sacks, Irvin and Addison combined for 18 sacks for the Panthers this past season. Provided that, Weatherly has some big shoes to fill in his first season in Carolina. Even though he isn't a household name, Weatherly can make a name for himself after signing with the Panthers on Monday.