Minnesota Vikings strengthen their secondary by signing veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore
The Minnesota Vikings have acquired vital assistance in the cornerback position by signing a seasoned two-time All-Pro.
Stephon Gilmore has reached a one-year agreement valued at up to $10 million, with $7 million of that being guaranteed. The deal was confirmed by Gilmoreās agent, Jason Chayut, to YSL News Sports’ Tyler Dragon.
Gilmore, who will celebrate his 34th birthday in September, will be working again with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who was part of the New England Patriots coaching staff during some of Gilmoreās standout years in the NFL. In 2018, the year Gilmore achieved his first AP first-team All-Pro selection, Flores was the Patriotsā defensive play caller.
The following season, Gilmore received the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, although Flores had already departed for the Miami Dolphins by that time.
Last season with the Dallas Cowboys, Gilmore stepped up to fill the gap left by cornerback Trevon Diggs, who tore his ACL in a practice before Week 3.
Now, the Vikings are enhancing a position that has recently faced numerous challenges, including injuries and unfortunate events. Mekhi Blackmon suffered an ACL tear on the first day of training camp in late July, Shaquill Griffin strained his hamstring the following day, and rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson tragically lost his life in a car accident on July 6.
Throughout his 12-year NFL career, Gilmore has played for five different teams: the Buffalo Bills, the New England Patriots, the Carolina Panthers, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Dallas Cowboys. He has tallied a total of 561 tackles, 31 interceptions, and defended 140 passes.
The news of Gilmore signing with the Vikings was first reported by NFL Network.