The Minnesota Vikings were linked to veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore for weeks in NFL rumors before he took his free-agent visit. While it took time for the two sides to come to terms on a contract following that trip to Minnesota, the Vikings’ came out on top for his services thanks to some unique advantages.
As the 2024 NFL preseason demonstrated, there are plenty of teams in desperate need of help at cornerback. Gilmore played well last season and brings experience that makes him an excellent mentor for a young secondary. While he drew interest from plenty of teams this summer, Gilmore chose Minnesota for specific reasons.
- Stephon Gilmore contract (Spotrac): $10 million salary in 2024, NFL free agent in 2025
Dane Mizutani, of the Twin Cities Pioneer Press, shed light on the influencing factors that led Gilmore to sign with the Vikings, when he had strong interest from two other teams that were not specified. While the $10 million contract played a role, Gilmore’s relationship with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and his appreciation for Flo’s creativity as a defensive architect helped sway the decision.
“I think offenses are scared to go against his defenses. He has always had a good defense no matter where has has been, and I’m just trying to be a part of that.”
Stephon Gilmore on signing with the Minnesota Vikings, defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Gilmore’s free-agent visit to Minnesota also played a role in his decision. The veteran defensive back came away impressed by the ‘functional space’ at the TCO Performance Center and believes it will help him stay healthy throughout the 2024 season.
As for that relationship between Gilmore and the Vikings defensive coordinator, Flores shed light on why he is so fond of the former Defensive Player of the Year who he once coached with the New England Patriots (2017-’18).
“His career speaks for itself: the accolades and all, the talent. But Steph the person is a great human being, a great teammate. He’s going to be great for the young guys in our group: just understanding what it takes to be a professional, his maturity, his toughness and just his global understanding of the game.”
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores on Stephon Gilmore (via Minnesota Star Tribune)
Stephon Gilmore’s impact on the Minnesota Vikings defense
Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
Gilmore is no longer an All-Pro caliber talent, but he did play very well last season as a 33-year-old. Across 17 games with the Dallas Cowboys, per Pro Football Reference, he held opponents to a 55.8 percent completion rate with just 4 touchdowns and 659 receiving yards allowed on over 90 targets thrown his way.
- Stephon Gilmore stats PFF: 74.4 overall grade, 50 receptions allowed on 91 targets, 83.3 QB rating allowed
The veteran cornerback provides much-needed stability and leadership for the Vikings secondary. While Flores relied heavily on zone coverage last season, his historical tendency is to rely on man coverage. Gilmore is most comfortable playing man coverage and his presence will allow Flores to be more creative with the front seven.
The signing also makes life easier for everyone else in the Vikings secondary. Byron Murphy Jr. can be used as more of a matchup play depending on the opponents’ receivers and Minnesota can move its unproven cornerbacks into a smaller role. If the secondary holds up, Minnesota could have one of the 10 best defenses in football this season.
