Does This Mean Stephon Gilmore Is a Believer in the Vikings?

October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore (21) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports.

Stephon Gilmore was easily the best cornerback available on the free agent market, and the Minnesota Vikings desperately needed help at the position. After the two sides met last week, it took a few days, but the cornerback decided that he would wear purple.

Does This Mean Stephon Gilmore Is a Believer in the Vikings?

Brian Flores has watched his cornerback group go through some serious adversity this offseason. Rookie Khyree Jackson was tragically lost in a car accident, and Mekhi Blackmon was declared out for the season due to injury. Needing a better showing from the position as a whole, those currently in the locker room weren’t going to cut it.

stephon gilmore
Dec 17, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports.

Gilmore immediately takes over the top spot on the depth chart, and his signing means that both Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaquill Griffin will have more help. Although both could see the five-time Pro Bowl selection as something of a threat, he should be seen as a player who raises the water level for the entire room.

Flores is familiar with Gilmore given their connected stops. The former New England Patriots star has shown out as one of the best in the game for quite some time. There was thought that he remained unsigned with a desire to chase a ring, but by choosing Minnesota, his focus seems to have shifted.

Sep 15, 2019; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) scores on a 54-yard interception return in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Dolphins 43-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

The Vikings paid Gilmore up to $10 million this season. That’s a healthy chunk of change for an aging veteran, but they offer a team that is projected to have a tough year. Gilmore probably doesn’t see it that way, and his presence on the defense could help to make sure that Minnesota is far more competitive than they are being given credit for.

Minnesota still will go as far as Sam Darnold takes them this year, but bolstering the defense puts the veteran quarterback in a better situation. The hope would be that Gilmore and his unit can keep the opposition off the board and, therefore, force Darnold to do less of the heavy lifting.

Sep 15, 2019; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) runs back an interception for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports.

It took some time for the Vikings to find their answer at cornerback, but the persistence and patience have clearly paid off. There isn’t a better outcome than Gilmore, and if he’s banking on himself to make all of the difference, the outcome is even better.


Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.