Stephon Gilmore #2 of the Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings’ 23-22 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13 was a nail-biter, and while the victory will go down in the books, it highlighted a glaring issue: the absence of starting cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Forced to exit the game in the first half due to a hamstring injury, Gilmore’s absence threw the Vikings’ secondary into disarray, with backup Fabian Moreau thrust into a starting role for the remainder of the contest. The results were concerning.
Moreau, who had only seen one defensive snap this season before stepping in, struggled mightily. He allowed a third-quarter touchdown to Marvin Harrison Jr., putting the Vikings in a two-possession hole. Pro Football Focus (PFF) graded Moreau’s coverage performance at a dismal 39.3, further exposing Minnesota’s vulnerability in the secondary when Gilmore isn’t on the field.
While head coach Kevin O’Connell downplayed the severity of Gilmore’s injury, calling his absence precautionary, the Vikings’ lack of depth at cornerback is becoming a bigger issue as the season progresses. Gilmore, who turns 35 next year, can’t be relied upon to stay healthy for the entire season. With playoff aspirations in the mix, Minnesota would be wise to bolster its cornerback room sooner rather than later.
Emmanuel Forbes: A Fresh Start with High Upside
The timing couldn’t be better. After being waived by the Washington Commanders over the weekend, former first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes is now available, and the Vikings should make a move to claim him. The 23-year-old cornerback was selected 16th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft due to his impressive physical traits. Standing 6 feet tall with a 79-inch wingspan and a 4.35-second 40-yard dash, Forbes has all the tools to succeed at the NFL level. However, his rookie season in Washington was a mixed bag, as his slight frame (just 166 pounds) and the Commanders’ defensive scheme did not do him many favors.
At Mississippi State, Forbes was a ballhawk, setting the FBS record for pick-sixes with six in just three years. His 14 career interceptions were the most by any active player in college football. But in his first year in the NFL, Forbes struggled. According to Athlon Sports’ Doug Farrar, Forbes faced difficulties in Washington’s defensive system under Jack Del Rio. While Forbes was effective in press coverage—allowing just six catches on 14 targets for 133 yards—his off-coverage play left much to be desired, allowing 25 catches on 39 targets for 400 yards and three touchdowns. The challenges of adjusting to the NFL speed and the complexities of Del Rio’s defense left Forbes in a tough spot.
After a coaching change and minimal usage under new head coach Dan Quinn, Forbes was eventually released by the Commanders. But for all of Forbes’ struggles in Washington, he is still young (just 23) and has tremendous upside. As a cornerback in the right scheme, especially one focused on zone coverage and off-coverage principles, Forbes could thrive.
A Fit for Brian Flores’ Defense
This is where the Vikings could come in. Minnesota’s defensive coordinator, Brian Flores, runs a scheme that emphasizes flexibility and football IQ. While Forbes likely won’t supplant Gilmore as the Vikings’ top cornerback this season, he could offer significant value as a depth piece. His experience—albeit limited—on the field gives him the potential to step in during emergency situations, as he did when Moreau took over against Arizona. Moreau’s struggles are a reminder that the Vikings cannot afford to continue relying on unproven players in key moments, especially with the playoffs on the horizon.
Forbes’ ability to thrive in a zone-heavy system like Flores’ could be the key to unlocking his potential. His ball skills and experience in off coverage align well with what the Vikings’ defense requires, and with the right coaching, he could be a key contributor down the stretch. Even if he doesn’t immediately push for a starting role, Forbes could provide the Vikings with much-needed depth behind Gilmore and veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson.
Moving Forward with Playoff Hopes on the Line
As the Vikings approach Week 14, their playoff hopes are on the line. With a 10-2 record, they’re in prime position to make a postseason run, but injuries to key players—like Gilmore—are a reminder of how quickly a promising season can turn into a vulnerability. A potential playoff matchup could hinge on defensive depth, and that’s why adding a player like Emmanuel Forbes makes sense.
Forbes may not be an immediate fix to all of Minnesota’s cornerback issues, but his upside is undeniable. With the right development and the chance to grow within Brian Flores’ defense, Forbes could be a key asset to the Vikings as they make their playoff push. In an NFC that’s wide open, the Vikings need all the help they can get to secure a deep run—and adding Forbes could be the move that strengthens their defense for the long haul.
