Vikings Put Chef’s Kiss on Roster with Super Bowl Champ
For the second straight season, Minnesota Vikings fans clamored for a certain roster addition late in the summer that eventually came to fruition.
Vikings Put Chef’s Kiss on Roster with Super Bowl Champ
In 2023, Dalton Risner became a Viking after folks asked for it ad nauseam for weeks if not months. This year, it’s five-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion cornerback Stephon Gilmore. He’s a Viking.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted Sunday morning, precisely three weeks before the start of the regular season: “ESPN sources: Five-time Pro-Bowl CB Stephon Gilmore has reached an agreement in principle on a one-year deal worth up to $10 million, including $7 million guaranteed with the Minnesota Vikings. The deal was negotiated and confirmed by Gilmore’s agent Jason Chayut of Sportstars.”
Adding Gilmore instantly tamed folks’ fears about Minnesota’s cornerback room. The group was decimated by tragedy and turmoil last month with Khyree Jackson’s tragic passing and Mekhi Blackmon’s torn ACL. Now, however, the CB branch of Brian Flores’ defense feels more trustworthy.
These are the Vikings’ corners after the Gilmore addition:
- Stephon Gilmore
- Byron Murphy
- Shaquill Griffin
- Akayleb Evans
- Fabian Moreau
- Nahshon Wright
- A.J. Green III
- Jacobi Francis
- Duke Shelley
- Jaylin Williams
- Dwight McGlothern
- NaJee Thompson (PUP)
And for context, Minnesota will likely retain about 5-6 corners for the 53-man roster, which will be determined in nine days.
Gilmore played for the New England Patriots from 2017 to 2020, crossing paths with the aforementioned Flores in 2017 and 2018. He’s a five-time Pro Bowler and won a Super Bowl in 2018 with Flores and the Tom Brady-led Patriots. Gilmore started all 17 games for last year’s Dallas Cowboys, recording a phenomenal 74.4 Pro Football Focus grade.
He registered for a terrific 82.7 passer-rating-against in 2023, which would’ve been terrific by Vikings cornerbacks’ standards. Although he’ll turn 34 in September, Gilmore shouldn’t be considered “one of those guys” who is washed or a token signing at an advanced NFL age. He’s still quite productive — so much so that he could be Minnesota’s best CB.
The Vikings have added six defensive backs in the last 25 days: Duke Shelley, Jacobi Francis, Bobby McCain, Fabian Moreau, Nahshon Wright, and now Gilmore. Most expect Minnesota to roll into Week 1 of the regular season on September 8th with a CB room consisting of Gilmore, Murphy, Griffin, Moreau, and Evans.
If general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is interested in any more free agents following the Gilmore move, about 700 players will hit open free agency on August 27th after roster cuts.
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Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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