The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly pursuing a cornerback with a five-time Pro Bowl pedigree in free agency, a move that could see them commit alot of million annually to secure his services.
The media is currently focused on the Minnesota Vikings’ search for a franchise quarterback, but they also need to address the cornerback position this offseason. Stephon Gilmore, a highly regarded cornerback, is still available in free agency after a busy opening week. David Kenyon of Bleacher Report recently linked the Vikings to Gilmore as a potential fit for the upcoming season.
Gilmore has consistently performed well throughout his career, most recently with the Dallas Cowboys. In 2023, he allowed just 6.9 yards per target and held opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of 82.7. He finished the season with 13 pass breakups and two interceptions, according to Pro Football Focus.
While Dallas may consider retaining Gilmore, the return of Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland’s emergence could complicate that decision. Other teams in need of cornerback help, such as the Detroit Lions and the Vikings (who ranked 24th against the pass last season), should also be considering Gilmore as an option.
It’s anticipated that Stephon Gilmore will demand a contract exceeding $12 million in free agency.
Despite being a 12-year veteran who will turn 34 during most of the upcoming season, Stephon Gilmore, a five-time Pro Bowler, maintained a level of performance close to the NFL’s elite during his 2023 season with the Dallas Cowboys.
Gilmore’s two-year contract with the Cowboys, worth a total of $20 million, ended last season. Spotrac estimates his market value at $11.2 million for a new one-year deal.
As of Saturday, the Minnesota Vikings had around $17 million in available salary cap space for the 2024 season.
The Minnesota Vikings need to make significant investments in their secondary before the 2024 season begins.
The Minnesota Vikings have been actively trying to address their secondary issues through both the draft and free agency in recent years. In the 2023 NFL draft, they selected cornerback Mekhi Blackmon with their third-round pick (No. 102 overall), and they also signed CB Byron Murphy Jr. in free agency, paying him a total of $17.5 million.
Blackmon had a solid rookie season, starting three games and recording 8 pass deflections, 3 tackles for loss, and an interception. Murphy, on the other hand, struggled despite his previous success with the Arizona Cardinals, ranking 87th out of 127 qualifying cornerbacks.
The Vikings also have Akayleb Evans, a fourth-round pick in 2022, who started alongside Murphy when healthy last season. Andrew Booth Jr., a second-round pick in 2022, played in a backup role with Blackmon but missed a significant portion of his rookie season due to injury.
Stephon Gilmore, if acquired by the Vikings, could thrive in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy scheme, which features unique zone coverages. Gilmore has been an elite cornerback throughout his career, having played for several teams, including the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, and Dallas Cowboys.
