Duke Shelley #20 of the Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have taken a bold step to strengthen their secondary by signing five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore. However, the addition of the former Defensive Player of the Year likely spells the end of Duke Shelley’s tenure with the team.
According to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, the Vikings’ decision to sign Gilmore, which became official on August 18, aligns with his earlier prediction that Shelley would be released. This move is part of a broader strategy under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who values versatility and depth in his defensive scheme.
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Shelley, who thrived under former defensive coordinator Ed Donatell in 2022, was initially overlooked when Flores took over in 2023. After a brief stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he failed to make the final roster, Shelley found his way to the Los Angeles Rams. However, the Vikings re-signed him on July 23 following the tragic death of Khyree Jackson and injuries to Mekhi Blackmon and Shaq Griffin. Despite these setbacks, the signing of Gilmore has put Shelley’s future with the Vikings in jeopardy.
Gilmore is expected to step in as an immediate starter alongside Byron Murphy Jr. and Griffin, with Fabian Moreau, Nashon Wright, and Akayleb Evans providing additional depth. Lewis noted that the decision to release Shelley was difficult but ultimately came down to a choice between keeping him or versatile safeties like Jay Ward and Bobby McCain, who have taken reps at cornerback.
“Letting go of Shelley isn’t an easy decision either, but it essentially became a question of Ward/McCain versus Shelley,” Lewis wrote. “Versatility and a tie going to a draft pick proved to be the deciding factors. This was one of the most difficult positions to peg. For one, the Vikings are still in the market for another experienced cornerback, and Stephon Gilmore is the preferred option.”
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While the addition of Gilmore solidifies the top of the depth chart, the Vikings are also closely evaluating undrafted rookie cornerback Dwight McGlothern, who has made a strong case for a roster spot this summer. The Arkansas product has impressed with his instincts and playmaking ability, highlighted by an interception in the team’s preseason win over the Cleveland Browns and another during joint practices.
McGlothern, who had the highest Pro Football Focus grade (91.3) of any FBS cornerback last season, has shown disciplined play throughout the preseason, not allowing a single reception across 29 coverage snaps. At just 22 years old, McGlothern is positioning himself as a valuable asset for the Vikings’ future.
As the Vikings prepare for the final roster cuts on August 27, several players are making strong cases to secure their spots. Wide receiver Trishton Jackson has emerged as a top-five receiver on the depth chart, with two preseason touchdowns to his name. Edge rushers Bo Richter and Gabriel Murphy have also stood out in training camp and appear poised to make the final roster.
With Gilmore’s addition and the emergence of young talent like McGlothern, the Vikings are set to field a revamped and potentially formidable secondary in the upcoming season. However, the cost of this depth may be the departure of a player like Shelley, who has been a reliable contributor in the past.
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