While Stephon Gilmore has flirted with a pair of his former teams this offseason, the one-time Defensive Player of the Year still hadn’t garnered a workout during this free agency cycle. That’s apparently about to change, as the veteran cornerback is set to meet with the Vikings tomorrow, per Josina Anderson.
The Vikings haven’t been connected to Gilmore this offseason. However, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport notes that the organization has “maintained interest” in the veteran for some time.
Minnesota’s cornerback situation has changed considerably over the past few months. Fourth-round rookie Khyree Jackson died tragically in a car accident back in July, and second-year contributor Mekhi Blackmon suffered a torn ACL early in training camp. The organization still has holdovers like Byron Murphy and slot CB Josh Metellus, and the Vikings previously added Shaquill Griffin, Fabian Moreau, and Nahshon Wright to the mix.
Still, Gilmore would provide the Vikings with another dependable cornerback on an uncertain depth chart. Following the end of his successful four-year stint with the Patriots, Gilmore has spent time with the Panthers, Colts, and Cowboys since the 2021 campaign. The defensive back has still graded out favorably by Pro Football Focus over that span, and since being limited to eight games with Carolina in 2021, he’s topped 1,000 defensive snaps in each of the past two years.
Despite the consistency, Gilmore has struggled to find a job this offseason. After spending the 2023 season with the Cowboys, Gilmore stated a desire to stick with Dallas, although there were few developments on that front. Gilmore also flirted with another former squad in the Panthers, and he recently hinted that he’d be open to a reunion with the Patriots. We’ll see if the Vikings’ interest finally leads to a deal.
I’m pretty confident Gilmore would struggle to make some practice squads at this point in his career. The rest of the NFC North would approve of the Vikings signing him.
He was perfectly solid last year.
Even if they sign him he what doe it really matter? He is probably the fourth CB unless he still has something in the tank. He is not any worse than what they are already looking at for CB 3/4. Experience does cary some weight in this league.
And he specifically has experience with Flores.
I agree with Oof, this does feel a bit overdue.
If Gilmore can still run a 40 yard dash with a competitive time, sign him. If he can’t, he won’t be able to keep up with the speedsters and is next to useless. Perhaps as a nickel back, or rotated into a LB role on an obvious passing down.
Wish Washington would give him a look. CB’s in DC look like a problem right now. Forbes will kill this team if matched up against other teams #1 WR.