Stephon Gilmore #2 of the Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings Face Secondary Overhaul as Harrison Smith, Stephon Gilmore Consider Retirement
The Minnesota Vikings‘ secondary is on the verge of a major shakeup, with multiple key contributors either hitting free agency or contemplating retirement. While longtime safety Harrison Smith has been weighing his future for a couple of offseasons, he’s now joined by another veteran defender in the decision-making process.
According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore is considering retirement after 14 seasons in the NFL. The 34-year-old, who signed a one-year deal with Minnesota this past August, admitted that his body is feeling the toll of a lengthy career.
“I’m probably the last corner playing [from the 2012 draft class],” Gilmore said. “So, definitely going to sit down with my family and think about what’s best for me and go from there.”
A decorated veteran, Gilmore has amassed an impressive resume that includes five Pro Bowl selections, two All-Pro nods, and a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019. He was a pivotal part of the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl-winning squad that same season. Over the course of his career, Gilmore has earned $115 million in contracts since being selected 10th overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Gilmore’s future is a key storyline for Minnesota, as he is one of several defensive backs potentially on the way out. The Vikings’ secondary could see an exodus, with starting cornerbacks Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaquill Griffin also set to hit free agency, along with safety Cam Bynum. Meanwhile, Smith’s decision will loom large, given his long-standing importance to the unit.
Gilmore played 904 snaps this past season, the second-most among Minnesota’s cornerbacks behind only Murphy. His veteran presence was a stabilizing force in the Vikings’ secondary, but if he retires or signs elsewhere, it would leave a massive void in a defense already facing uncertainty.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have some difficult decisions ahead. If both Smith and Gilmore opt to retire, the Vikings will be left scrambling to replenish their secondary. With free agency approaching, Minnesota must weigh its options carefully—whether that means retaining veterans, pursuing high-profile signings, or turning to the NFL Draft for reinforcements.
As the Vikings navigate this critical offseason, all eyes will be on Smith and Gilmore to see if they’ll return for another campaign or officially close the book on their illustrious careers.
