Former Pitt tight end Nakia Griffin-Stewart was not selected in the 2020 NFL draft, but he will get a shot at the NFL, as he was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent this weekend. The move places Griffin-Stewart on the same roster as former Pitt offensive lineman Brian O’Neill, who was drafted by the team two years ago and has since become a starter, blocking for Kirk Cousins.
Griffin-Stewart joined the Panthers as a graduate transfer from Rutgers and saw action as a blocker and pass-catcher in the Pitt offense. During the 2019 season, the Panthers adapted to the pass-heavy style of first-year offensive coordinator Mark Whipple after earning a reputation as a rushing team under Shawn Watson.