Minnesota Vikings Insider Reveals Why Stephon Gilmore Chose Them Over Other Teams
The Minnesota Vikings were linked to veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore for weeks in NFL rumors before he took his free-agent visit. While it took time for the two sides to come to terms on a contract following that trip to Minnesota, the Vikings’ came out on top for his services thanks to some unique advantages.
As the 2024 NFL preseason demonstrated, there are plenty of teams in desperate need of help at cornerback. Gilmore played well last season and brings experience that makes him an excellent mentor for a young secondary. While he drew interest from plenty of teams this summer, Gilmore chose Minnesota for specific reason.\
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- Stephon Gilmore contract (Spotrac): $10 million salary in 2024, NFL free agent in 2025
Dane Mizutani, of the Twin Cities Pioneer Press, shed light on the influencing factors that led Gilmore to sign with the Vikings, when he had strong interest from two other teams that were not specified. While the $10 million contract played a role, Gilmore’s relationship with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and his appreciation for Flo’s creativity as a defensive architect helped sway the decision.
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Gilmore’s free-agent visit to Minnesota also played a role in his decision. The veteran defensive back came away impressed by the ‘functional space’ at the TCO Performance Center and believes it will help him stay healthy throughout the 2024 season.
As for that relationship between Gilmore and the Vikings defensive coordinator, Flores shed light on why he is so fond of the former Defensive Player of the Year who he once coached with the New England Patriots (2017-’18).
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Stephon Gilmore’s impact on the Minnesota Vikings defense
Gilmore is no longer an All-Pro caliber talent, but he did play very well last season as a 33-year-old. Across 17 games with the Dallas Cowboys, per Pro Football Reference, he held opponents to a 55.8 percent completion rate with just 4 touchdowns and 659 receiving yards allowed on over 90 targets thrown his way.
