Cardinal alumni sign free agent contracts with NFL teams

Nate Whitaker is trying to earn a roster spot with the Minnesota Vikings.

With the NFL lockout ended, seven former Cardinal football players who competed on last year’s 12-1 team have signed free agent contracts to play professionally.

Stanford Athletics reports that center CHASE BEELER, tight end KONRAD REULAND, defensive end BRIAN BULCKE and offensive lineman DEREK HALL signed with the 49ers, which is now coached by former Cardinal head coach JIM HARBAUGH.

Wide receiver DOUG BALDWIN will report to camp with the Seattle Seahawks, while kicker NATE WHITAKER will try to earn a spot on the roster of the Minnesota Vikings. Linebacker THOMAS KEISER will join former Stanford teammate SIONE FUA in the Carolina Panthers camp.

Among the Cardinal players who were drafted by NFL teams are Fua (Carolina), OWEN MARECIC (Cleveland), RICHARD SHERMAN (Seattle) and RYAN WHALEN (Cincinnati), giving Stanford 11 players off last year’s team who will open camp with NFL clubs.

Learn more on the Stanford Athletics site.