The Vikings landing star cornerback Stephon Gilmore was a big move and broke a string of bad news for the team, but how did it come about?
The Minnesota Vikings’ landing of star cornerback Stephon Gilmore was a big move that ended a string of bad news for the team, but how did it happen? Usually, when a team is on a bad stretch like the Vikings had been, they don’t attract the type of free agents like Gilmore.
Thankfully, they had the inside track on what could bring him to Minnesota in the form of defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Dane Mizutani of The Pioneer Press wrote about what exactly made Gilmore choose the Vikings. He discusses how the veteran cornerback had other teams interested, but it was his connection with Brian Flores that brought him to sign with the Vikings.
Gilmore was also impressed by the team’s culture and the chance to be a leader in the locker room.
Gilmore has a chance to turn the entire secondary on its head by what they can now scheme. With Gilmore playing outside opposite Shaq Griffin and Byron Murphy Jr. in the nickel, they can finally scheme this defense the way Flores has wanted to.
With Stephon Gilmore now off the street, the Panthers could look to target one of these five free-agent cornerbacks:
Despite the months-long build, the reunion between the Carolina Panthers and cornerback Stephon Gilmore was simply not to be.
As announced on Monday, the Minnesota Vikings have signed the Rock Hill, S.C. native to a one-year deal worth up to $10 million. That decision may have burned the Panthers, who reportedly offered Gilmore a pact of their own.
While Carolina probably wasn’t looking to match financials on the agreement, Gilmore’s move up north hurts a bit more considering the setback to Dane Jackson—a projected starter for the defense this season. Jackson, according to head coach Dave Canales, is expected to miss approximately six weeks after sustaining a “significant” hamstring injury.
But are there any similar options out there for the corner-needy Panthers?
Here are five possible free-agent targets with Gilmore now off the board:
Eli Apple
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Yeah, yeah . . . most of you are probably rolling your eyes at this first entry. But if the Panthers are looking for a veteran corner with experience manning the outside, then this Apple doesn’t far fall from the tree.
The former 10th overall pick has started in 34 of his 41 games since 2021, when he was featured by the then-AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed a 104.3 passer rating as a Miami Dolphin this past season—producing a better mark than the likes of Taron Johnson, Carlton Davis III and James Bradberry.
Rashad Fenton
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Fenton may be another tough sell to those of you reading this. Not only did he miss the entire 2023 season after being placed on injured reserve by the Arizona Cardinals, but his 2022 (the last NFL campaign he did play) was undoubtedly his worst offering as a pro.
But like Apple, Fenton is a vet who has picked up reps on the outside. Plus, his three full years with the Kansas City Chiefs yielded some nice results—as he earned PFF coverage grades of 78.4, 75.0 and 81.1 from 2019 to 2021.
Adoree’ Jackson
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This fella may be more of what you’re looking for, Panthers fans.
A slightly bigger name than Apple and Fenton, Jackson offers a solid track record over his seven-year NFL career. Save for this last season for the New York Giants, the former first-rounder has never earned a PFF coverage grade of under 66.8.
J.C. Jackson
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From one Jackson to another, J.C. has also built up a decent résumé. Are the 28-year-old’s best days, however, already behind him?
Jackson was a standout for Bill Belichick’s defense in New England up until 2021, when he reeled in a Second-team All-Pro nod and his first Pro Bowl selection. But it’s been a bumpy ride since, as he struggled in his short stint with the Los Angeles Chargers as well as in his brief return to the Patriots.
Ahkello Witherspoon
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Witherspoon could be the best-case scenario of these options.
For one, the 6-foot-2, 195-pounder fits the mold of the long and rangy cornerback Canales and general manager Dan Morgan became accustomed to during their days in Seattle. He also has experience in a similar scheme, with Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero having served as a secondary coach and passing game coordinator for a year under Raheem Morris—Witherspoon’s coordinator from 2023.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Gilmore signed a one-year deal worth up to $10 million to join the Vikings, including $7 million guaranteed.
Gilmore would spend the 2022 season with the Colts. During that year, he was a sound tackler and played over 1,000 defensive snaps, while making 16 starts.
In coverage, Gilmore allowed a completion rate of 63 percent on 82 targets at 11.3 yards per catch. Gilmore also came away with two interceptions and eight pass breakups.
During the 2023 offseason, the Colts would trade Gilmore to Dallas, where he played this past season. In return for Gilmore, the Colts’ received a 2023 fifth-round pick, which the team used to draft running back Evan Hull out of Northwestern.
Hull is currently competing with Tyler Goodson to be the team’s third running back. He came to the NFL as a very experienced pass-catcher and is coming off an impressive preseason performance against Arizona, where he averaged 6.5 yards per rush attempt.
Gilmore was a free agent this offseason, and while cornerback was a position that many thought the Colts should address, a reunion with Gilmore was likely never going to be in the cards.
After searching all offseason, former New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore finally has a new home.
On Sunday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year has reached an agreement on a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
Since leaving the Patriots, Gilmore has spent his last three seasons jumping around to the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys. Now, the 33-year-old defensive back will embark on his 13th NFL season with the Vikings.
He is still a proven playmaker on the field considering he played in all 17 games last season with 68 tackles, 13 pass deflections, two interceptions and one forced fumble with the Cowboys.
ESPN sources: Five-time Pro-Bowl CB Stephon Gilmore has reached an agreement in principle on a one-year deal worth up to $10 million, including $7 million guaranteed with the Minnesota Vikings.
Gilmore’s best years came in New England, and he had said he wasn’t opposed to a reunion.
However, the Patriots already have their pieces in place at cornerback with rising second-year star Christian Gonzalez, veteran Jonathan Jones and Marcus Jones. Alex Austin and Marco Wilson have also been making strong cases for reps on defense.
It would have been a cool moment to see Gilmore ride off into the sunset with the Patriots. Regardless, his accomplishments in New England as a defensive MVP and Super Bowl champion will stand forever.
The Vikings agreed to a one-year deal with the All-Pro corner
The Vikings have been looking to add some experience in their secondary. Minnesota recently brought in veteran Stephon Gilmore for a visit, but the two sides couldn’t agree on a contract.
But after Minnesota played the Browns on Saturday during the second preseason week, the Vikings pulled off the mega move. Reports came in on Sunday morning that Minnesota and Gilmore have agreed to a one-year deal worth $10 million.
Gilmore has previously played for the Bills, Patriots, Panthers, Colts, and Cowboys.
Gilmore makes a ton of sense for the Vikings. Minnesota already has Byron Murphy but needed one more guy to accompany him. Gilmore, a 12-year veteran, has been one of the best cornerbacks in football. He has battled some injuries, but if healthy, he will greatly impact the Vikings’ secondary.
Gilmore will be expected to start outside cornerback for the team alongside Shaq Griffin once he returns from injury. Rounding out the starting rotation will be Byron Murphy Jr., who will line up at nickel.
Finally, the Vikings have a formidable starting group in the secondary.
The #Vikings are making a major free agent acquisition at a time when they rarely happen: Former Pro Bowl CB Stephon Gilmore is signing in Minnesota on a 1-year, $10M deal, source says.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Panthers made an offer to CB Stephon Gilmore before he reached an agreement with the Vikings.
A second homecoming for Rock Hill, S.C. native Stephon Gilmore was simply not to be.
The 33-year-old free-agent cornerback is a free-agent cornerback no longer, as he has reportedly decided to sign with the Minnesota Vikings. Gilmore’s newest pact, per ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter, is a one-year agreement worth up to $10 million—including $7 million in guarantees.
And here’s the extra interesting part . . . the Carolina Panthers may have actually still been in on their old friend.
Minutes later on Sunday morning, Schefter’s colleague Jeremy Fowler would then report that the Panthers—who are expecting to be without projected starting corner Dane Jackson for a handful of weeks—made an offer to the five-time Pro Bowl defender.
The #Panthers also made an offer to Gilmore but Vikings came over the top strong here.
Gilmore, who played nine games for the Panthers in 2021, had been linked back to Carolina quite a few times this offseason. Not only did former University of South Carolina teammate Jadeveon Clowney hint at a recruitment attempt of his fellow Gamecock, but president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan had also spoken on the possibility of signing Gilmore this offseason.
He was last asked about Gilmore in late July.
“I think with all free agents, they’re on the street,” Morgan replied. “We contact all the free agents out on the street, kinda get their status, see where they’re at from a money perspective, just kinda see where they’re at. Are they interested in our organization? Are they interested in playing for us here?
“So we keep in contact with everybody. We’re gonna try to sign guys that fit what we do. And if they’re a fit out there and they’re a free agent on the street, then we’re gonna entertain all those guys.”
After visiting the Vikings on Monday, All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore did not reach a deal with Minnesota.
The Minnesota Vikings brought in Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore for a visit on Monday, but Gilmore left the building without agreeing to a contract.
The Vikings desperately need to bolster their cornerback room. Minnesota lost Mekhi Blackmon, who tore his ACL, rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson tragically passed away, and Shaq Griffin is still battling a hamstring issue.
Kevin O’Connell has hinted the two sides could still agree to a deal and the dialogue was great between both sides.
“The important thing is we’re very proud of the atmosphere, our locker room, our players,” O’Connell said. “So, I always think it’s a positive when we can just allow guys to get a little sneak preview, a sneak peek of what they may be joining if all things work out.”
Gilmore would make a ton of sense for the Vikings. Minnesota already has Byron Murphy but needs one more guy to accompany him. Gilmore, a 12-year veteran, has been one of the best cornerbacks in football. He has battled some injuries, but if healthy, he would greatly impact the Vikings’ secondary.
Gilmore has played for the Bills, Patriots, Panthers, Colts, and Cowboys.
Former Panthers CB Stephon Gilmore is reportedly visiting the Vikings on Monday.
Former Carolina Panthers cornerback Stephon Gilmore may have found the right opportunity.
According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, the Rock Hill, S.C. native and free-agent defensive back is set to meet with the Minnesota Vikings on Monday. Gilmore, who played nine games for the Panthers in 2021, has been linked back to his hometown team this offseason.
Given Carolina’s need for depth at the cornerback position, speculation on a possible return for Gilmore emanated earlier this spring. President of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan and fellow University of South Carolina Gamecock Jadeveon Clowney have even spoken on Gilmore’s status multiple times since.
Prior to today’s news, the latest development on Gilmore also came courtesy of Anderson—who quoted the 33-year-old as saying the following in July:
“There are still some good corners and safeties out there like Justin Simmons and myself that are still not signed. Honestly, I’m still being patient and staying ready until teams see what they have in training camp; but you mean to tell me among 32 teams that there are 64 starting corners that are better than me? I don’t think that. If teams want to win, I think they should sign the best players. I know I’m still a starter in this league. I started games last year, but the season doesn’t start until September, we got a while.”
Gilmore spent the 2023 season with the Dallas Cowboys. He started in all 18 of their games, including the Wild Card Round loss to the Green Bay Packers.
They have brought in other free agents, but it seems they may not be done as they scheduled a visit with former All-Pro Stephon Gilmore.
The Minnesota Vikings have had problems with their cornerbacks during training camp due to injuries. They have brought in other free agents, but it seems they may not be done yet, as they have scheduled a visit with former All-Pro Stephon Gilmore, per Josina Anderson.
The team is expected to meet with Gilmore on Monday.
In recent years, we have seen an increasing number of NFL veterans left in the cold by teams in free agency, either intentionally or unintentionally. They have signed several players at the position, but they may not be done.
Adding someone like Stephon Gilmore is a move that people have been clamoring for all offseason. The veteran would add some on and off-the-field guidance for this young Vikings team.
Gilmore spent last season with the Dallas Cowboys and had a rejuvenated year. He broke up 13 passes and intercepted two more while staying healthy and playing in 17 games for them.
Gilmore was a key piece of the Patriots defense for several seasons. He had many highlights during his time in New England, including winning the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Now, Gonzalez is ready to take on a similar role, as he has the potential to offer that same consistency in the secondary.
“(Gilmore is) one of the best to ever do it,” Gonzalez said, per a team-provided video, via NESN.com’s Gayle Troiani. “He plays with great smarts, and he knows the game really well. I spoke to him a couple of times, him telling me that and watching his film, you can see how he played like that. I’m just trying to mimic certain things, but it’s really cool to be able to talk to somebody like that and want to talk about ball.”
This isn’t to say that the Patriots need Gonzalez to live up to Gilmore’s level of play, but his ability to do so doesn’t seem too far-fetched. Gonzalez is clearly on an upward trajectory in his career, and he has a chance to make an even bigger impact this season.
