Vikings to Sign 5-Time Pro-Bowl Cornerback

The Minnesota Vikings are signing veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore to a one-year contract that is worth up to $10 million. This deal includes $7 million guaranteed for the longtime defensive star, giving him another chance to play in the NFL.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter had the details on the signing and contract.

This is one of the better pieces of news that has surrounded the Vikings of late as Minnesota has seen multiple injuries take place. Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy is lost for the rest of the season due to a right knee injury, while other defensive players have seen themselves get hurt in training camp.

Gilmore reunites with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who coached him while the two men were with the New England Patriots. The veteran cornerback put together his first All-Pro season under Flores so Minnesota is hoping that this reunion brings out the best in Gilmore.

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The five-time Pro Bowl defensive player had been waiting his turn to sign with a team this offseason. He had offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum, potentially making teams hesitant to go after him.

The veteran visited with Minnesota earlier this week and both sides came away impressed. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke about his respect level for a player like Gilmore.

“I’ve had a ton of respect in Stephon Gilmore’s career, playing against him. This is a guy that’s done it at a really high level for a long time.”

Gilmore now becomes one of the leaders in the Minnesota secondary and he performed very well last season. He spent the year with the Dallas Cowboys, helping them navigate the loss of star cornerback Trevon Diggs.

With the Cowboys, he posted 68 total tackles and two interceptions. His experience brought Dallas some relevancy and he is hoping to do the same thing with the Vikings.

Minnesota lost cornerback Mekhi Blackmon to an ACL tear already this offseason so Gilmore should be able to compete for minutes. He can help the Vikings negate the loss of Blackmon and both sides worked quickly to get this deal completed.

The former South Carolina product will have some challenges ahead of him playing in the NFC North. The Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and Detroit Lions all could make the postseason, meaning Gilmore will have to be on his A-game each time out.

This is an excellent signing for the Vikings, especially this late into the offseason.

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