TheMinnesota Vikings have finally put together a strong group of cornerbacks after facing several challenges. Stephon Gilmore is the latest and most significant addition.
“A lot of guys came up to me already, asking me for pointers and stuff,” Gilmore said. “I’m here to help whoever try to get better. Whatever I can do, man, on the field, off the field, that’s what I’m here for.”
The Vikings signed the 13-year veteran Gilmore on Monday after agreeing to a one-year, $10 million contract with $7 million guaranteed the day before. The five-time Pro Bowl selection and 2019 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year joined his fifth team in the past five seasons, with Minnesota needing him more than any other team.
“It’s been a little tough, but it’s part of the business. You can’t play the game forever, so you’ve got to take advantage of all your opportunities,” Gilmore said. “Not too many guys can play the game as long as I have and be successful, so I look at it in a positive way.”
Gilmore began his career with Buffalo after being drafted 10th overall in 2012 and has also played for New England, Carolina, Indianapolis, and Dallas.
His past two seasons were notable, providing leadership and skill to the NFC East champion Cowboys’ secondary, especially when cornerback Trevon Diggs was injured. Gilmore had a career-high 68 tackles, two interceptions, 13 passes defended, and one forced fumble in a career-high 17 games.
Following the tragic death of rookie Khyree Jackson last month, the Vikings lost promising second-year player Mekhi Blackmon for the season due to a torn ACL on the first day of practice. Shaquill Griffin, their major spring addition, injured his hamstring on the second day and has not practiced since, though he is expected to be ready for the regular-season opener.
“We’ve been able to sustain, even though we’ve had some things at that position throughout the summer and into training camp,” coach Kevin O’Connell said.
“Obviously through some setbacks and some significant losses, we feel good about where that group’s looking now.”
Familiarity with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who coached him with the Patriots for two Super Bowl seasons, was a key factor in Gilmore choosing the Vikings over other offers.
“He’s got an unbelievable opportunity to impact our team with the type of person and player and leader that he’s always been,” O’Connell said.
The team’s lack of confidence in their current cornerbacks led them to bring in four new players before Gilmore, making him the fifth addition.
“I told him when he first got here,” Griffin said, “‘You’re the piece that we actually need in this room.’”
With the top three cornerbacks—Gilmore (13th year), Griffin (eighth), and Byron Murphy Jr. (sixth)—having significant experience, they offer strong support, assuming they stay healthy and effective.
Akayleb Evans, who started 15 games last season, is also a key player in his third year. Fabian Moreau, a recent addition who has practiced with the first-team defense, is entering his eighth year. Safety Harrison Smith, another 13-year veteran, adds to the experience.
“Adding him to this group, I feel like, is going to do wonderful things for us,” Griffin said. “We have a lot of young guys who can learn from a guy like that. Shoot, I’m one of them.”
Murphy will be one of the two main starters again after a strong performance with the Vikings in 2023, but his strength is in the slot, so Griffin will likely team up with Gilmore on the outside in nickel packages during passing plays.
This setup gives Flores better options for his defensive strategy. He prefers using more man-to-man and press coverage to complement his aggressive blitzes.
Last season, injuries and inexperience at cornerback limited his defensive play-calling and led to a decline in performance. The Vikings have ranked no higher than 24th in passing yards allowed since 2019.
