Vikings sign free agent who played 5 times in the Pro Bowl and is waiting for his next NFL opportunity: Report
Stephon Gilmore, a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, has finally found a new home In the NFL After being in the free agent pool since the start of the new league year.
Gilmore and minnesota vikings According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the two sides have reportedly agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $10 million, including $7 million guaranteed.
The Vikings needed help at cornerback this season, and Gilmore is the fifth acquisition for the team this offseason. The team suffered injuries to this position group during training camp, as well as the tragic death of Oregon draftee Khyri Jackson.
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Stephon Gilmore of the Cowboys before a wild-card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on Jan. 14, 2024, in Dallas. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Now, Minnesota brings in Gilmore, who will be familiar with defensive coordinator Brian Flores. He worked with the New England Patriots for two seasons, including 2018, when Flores was calling the Patriots’ defensive plays.
This was the year Gilmore was awarded his first All-Pro honor.
Many wondered why Gilmore remained on the free agent list even after preseason games had begun. He played a solid season Dallas Cowboys In 2023, he had 68 tackles, two interceptions, and 13 passes defended in his 12th NFL season.
He’ll likely turn 34 next month, and he’ll have labrum surgery in the offseason, so teams didn’t want to risk losing a starting cornerback.
However, Gilmore visited the Vikings on Monday, and head coach Kevin O’Connell discussed his respect for the corner who could join his team.
“This is a guy who has operated at a high level for a long time,” O’Connell said.
The Vikings have Shaquill Griffin and Byron Murphy Jr., but they weren’t sure what their depth would provide in 2024 in an NFC North that features excellent passing offenses like the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. The Chicago Bears are also expected to make a leap this season with No. 1 pick Caleb Williams and a new offense.
The Vikings formed a young group that included Aqaileb Evans, Andrew Booth Jr., Mekhi Blackmon and Jackson.
Stephon Gilmore of the Dallas Cowboys during a Detroit Lions game at AT&T Stadium on December 30, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Jackson was killed in a car accident on July 6, sending the organization into a tailspin. They will honor him with special helmet stickers this season.
Then, Blackmon tore his ACL on the first day of training camp, while Griffin has been dealing with a hamstring injury since day two of camp. Booth was eventually traded to the Cowboys on August 9, leaving a hole in the Vikings’ secondary.
Gilmore not only wants to fill that void, but he also wants to be at the top of the depth chart as he always has. He will be competing with other veterans that have joined the team like Fabian Moreau, Duke Shelley, and Jacoby Francis.
But it’s clear that with the guaranteed money Minnesota is offering him, Gilmore is expected to be the top cornerback for the group this season.
Gilmore was relied on heavily by Dallas after Trevon Diggs went down with an injury last season, and he quickly showed why he has received so much praise throughout his illustrious career.
Stephon Gilmore of the Dallas Cowboys warms up for the Washington Commanders game at FedExField on January 7, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Kara Durette/Getty Images)
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The Vikings will hope he can do the same for them as they scramble to find the right secondary pieces to compete with a tough schedule in 2024.
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