The Minnesota Vikings met with free agent Stephon Gilmore. One of the things that occurred was that Gilmore left the building without a new contract. Stephon Gilmore played with the Dallas Cowboys a season ago.
The Vikings still have issues on the backend of their defense. Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaquill Griffin are projected to be the starting cornerbacks for Minnesota. Griffin missed Saturday’s preseason win against Minnesota because of a hamstring injury. They have not had good luck with injuries during training camp. Minnesota lost quarterback J.J. McCarthy because of a meniscus tear.
Minnesota’s defense could use some upgrading before the start of the 2024 season. They need more help at defensive back because of all of the talented quarterbacks in the NFC North division they will have to face this season. It won’t be easy facing Caleb Williams, Jordan Love, and Jared Goff this season. The Vikings defense could have a long year ahead if they don’t improve the defense.
Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell Speaks Out About Not Signing Stephon Gilmore
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke to startribune.com writer Andrew Krammer about Gilmore not signing a contract with the team. O’Connell said:
“The important thing is we’re very proud of the atmosphere, our locker room, our players. So, I always think it’s a positive when we can just allow guys to get a little sneak preview, sneak peak of what they may be joining if all things work out.”
They have dealt with some injuries at the position near the beginning of training camp. Stephon Gilmore is 33 years old. Gilmore is very familiar with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Flores was the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots in 2017 and in 2018 when Gilmore was one of the cornerbacks on that roster.
Gilmore a season ago with the Dallas Cowboys recorded 68 tackles, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and 13 pass deflections. Stephon Gilmore played a huge role in the Cowboys’ defense after they lost Trevon Diggs to a season-ending injury early in the 2023 season.
The Minnesota Vikings should sign Gilmore, but it appears as if they are going to be heading in a different route with the position. He is one of the top free agents on the market still. It is a surprise that Gilmore is still out on the free agent market. Maybe, the Vikings will reconsider this, but this is a mistake on Minnesota’s part.
