Stephon Gilmore Might Be on the Move
Last offseason, the Vikings were scrambling for dependable cornerback play. Khyree Jackson’s tragic accident impacted the franchise in many ways, and besides way more relevant aspects, he left a void in the cornerback room. Mekhi Blackmon missing the season with a torn ACL only increased the need.
Stephon Gilmore Might Be on the Move
In free agency, a future Hall of Famer was just sitting there, waiting for someone to call. Stephon Gilmore visited the Vikings and signed shortly thereafter, playing one of the outside cornerback roles in a room he shared with Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaq Griffin.
Although no longer in his prime, Gilmore provided reliable corner play for an entire season. He could be headed back to Dallas. On Tuesday, various reports surfaced of him being spotted in the Cowboys’ facility.
The Athletic’s Jon Machota reported on social media, ” Former Cowboys CB Stephon Gilmore is at The Star today.”
He added, “Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones when asked about Stephon Gilmore being in the building: ‘We’re always looking to make our roster better. … In general, our player acquisition is year round.'”
Gilmore spent the 2023 season in Dallas. Last season, the Cowboys missed Trevon Diggs for some time. He was limited to only 11 games. Da’Ron Bland, a 2023 All-Pro, missed all but seven games.
Mike Zimmer was the defensive coordinator, and he had to rely on unproven and underwhelming players, including former Vikings cornerback Andrew Booth Jr., for a while.
Veteran Jourdan Lewis left in free agency a month ago, and there hasn’t been a noteworthy free agent signing at the position. The only acquisition was former Bills first-rounder Kaiir Elam via trade, and he isn’t a sure-fire starter either. Adding another experienced player like Gilmore wouldn’t be the worst idea.
Gilmore came into the league in 2012 as the 10th overall pick by the Bills. Five years into his career, he left in free agency, joining the New England Patriots, where he earned a couple of All-Pro nods and won Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, and a Super Bowl against the Rams.
In the last four seasons, he played for four different franchises: the Panthers, Colts, Cowboys, and Vikings. Throughout his long 13-year career, Gilmore logged 32 interceptions and 617 tackles in 180 game appearances.
Earlier this offseason, Gilmore publicly mentioned retirement in the Star Tribune:
“I’m probably the last corner playing. So, definitely going to sit down with my family and think about what’s best for me and go from there,” Gilmore said about his 2012 draft class, noting that his body was “feeling it.”
Gilmore missed a couple of games last season with a hamstring injury and has clearly lost a step. It was still good enough for an average PFF grade. He ranked 69th of 119 eligible cornerbacks.
A reunion with Dallas is possible, but not imminent. Ian Rapoport clarified on X, “And the #Cowboys are not signing Stephon Gilmore today, while we’re at it.”
Calvin Watkins (Dallas News) noted on the same platform, “Stephon Gilmore’s visit to The Star isn’t a football visit. A team official wasn’t sure why Gilmore visited the facility today.”
If it was really a nothingburger, Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones could’ve crushed those rumors immediately, but he didn’t, which makes this a little strange.
Regardless, Gilmore will turn 35 in September, which is ancient for a cornerback. He might still have another year left in the tank.
The Vikings, meanwhile, will get Blackmon back from his knee injury and have signed Isaiah Rodgers in free agency to take Gilmore’s spot. The depth has been bolstered by the addition of once-promising but disappointing corner Jeff Okudah.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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