Stephon Gilmore, the five-time Professional Bowler and two-time All-Professional, has lastly discovered a brand new residence within the NFL after being within the free agent pool because the begin of the brand new league 12 months.
Gilmore and the Minnesota Vikings have reportedly agreed to phrases on a one-year pact price as much as $10 million with $7 million assured, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Vikings have wanted cornerback assist main into this season, and Gilmore marks the fifth acquisition for the crew this offseason. Harm struck the crew on this place group throughout coaching camp, in addition to the tragic dying of Oregon draftee Khyree Jackson.
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Now, Minnesota brings in Gilmore, who will likely be aware of defensive coordinator Brian Flores. They labored along with the New England Patriots for 2 seasons, together with 2018, when Flores was calling the Patriots’ defensive performs.
That was the 12 months Gilmore was awarded his first All-Professional honor.
Many had been questioning why Gilmore remained on the free agent listing with preseason video games effectively underway. He had a stable season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, notching 68 tackles, two interceptions and 13 passes defended in his twelfth NFL season.
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Maybe with him turning 34 subsequent month, and receiving offseason labrum surgical procedure, groups didn’t need to run the danger of damage and tear catching up on a beginning cornerback.
Nevertheless, Gilmore visited the Vikings on Monday and head coach Kevin O’Connell mentioned the respect he had for the nook who might be becoming a member of his roster.
“This can be a man that’s executed it at a very excessive stage for a very long time,” O’Connell stated.
Whereas the Vikings have Shaquill Griffin and Byron Murphy Jr. on their squad, they weren’t positive what their depth would offer in 2024 in an NFC North that has nice passing offenses within the Detroit Lions and Inexperienced Bay Packers. The Chicago Bears, with No. 1 decide Caleb Williams and a revamped offense, are anticipated to take a leap this season as effectively.
The Vikings curated a younger group, together with Akayleb Evans, Andrew Sales space Jr., Mekhi Blackmon and Jackson.
Jackson was killed in a automotive crash on July 6, sending a shock by means of the group. They are going to be honoring him this season with particular helmet decals.
Then, Blackmon tore his ACL on the primary day of coaching camp, whereas Griffin is coping with a hamstring damage because the second day of camp. Sales space was finally traded to the Cowboys on Aug. 9, leaving a gap within the Vikings’ secondary.
Gilmore not solely needs to fill that gap, however he needs to be atop the depth chart as he all the time has been. He’ll be competing with different veterans that joined the squad, like Fabian Moreau, Duke Shelley and Jacobi Francis.
However it’s clear, with the assured cash Minnesota is shelling out to him, Gilmore is predicted to be a high cornerback for the group this season.
Gilmore was relied on closely by Dallas final season after Trevon Diggs suffered a season-ending damage, and he shortly confirmed why he has so many accolades in his stellar profession.
The Vikings will hope he can do the identical for them as they’re in a bind to seek out the suitable secondary items to compete with a troublesome schedule in 2024.
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