Saints Linked to Unsigned Vikings Defender
The New Orleans Saints will begin the Kellen Moore era this year, hiring the young head coach after cutting ties with Dennis Allen in 2024.
A new theory connects the New Orleans Saints to unsigned Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore as NFL training camps near. Here’s a check on the roster fit.
Moore’s team is expected to win 6.5 games in 2025, according to oddsmakers, so it may take some time to right the ship.
Along the way, per Canal Street Chronicles, the Saints could sign free agent and former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
Saints Could Be a Landing Spot for Stephon Gilmore
Gilmore remains a free agent after four months on the open market. Folks weren’t too sure if he’d retire earlier this offseason or sign somewhere for one more hurrah. If he does make it Year No. 14, the Saints are evidently an option.
Canal Street Chronicle‘s Nic Jennings wrote Wednesday, “The 2012 first-round NFL Draft pick of the Buffalo Bills had his best years during his tenure with the New England Patriots from 2017 to 2020, thriving in Bill Belichick’s hybrid defensive system that featured a base 3-4 scheme—similar to what new Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley will be implementing in New Orleans.”
“A former Super Bowl champion with five Pro Bowl selections, Gilmore has expressed a desire to mentor up-and-coming defensive backs. His veteran presence and proven success could be valuable for a young and unproven cornerback room.”
Some Vikings fans have held out hope that Gilmore could re-sign in Minnesota if an injury beset the CB room this summer.
Jennings added, “Dallas Cowboys corner DaRon Bland credited Gilmore for his breakout, record-breaking 2023 season, when he took six of his nine interceptions to the house for touchdowns—surpassing the previous mark of four pick-sixes shared by Eric Allen (1993), Jim Kearney (1972), and Ken Houston (1971). If it were to happen, I’d expect it to be a one-year deal given his age, but I believe Gilmore would be an ideal fit and still a viable starting cornerback in this league.”
“His addition would quickly answer the question of who starts alongside Kool-Aid McKinstry and Taylor (if kept inside), while also pushing the younger corners to develop faster through both mentorship and competition.”
This late in free agency, Gilmore would likely be an affordable acquisition for his next team, perhaps around $4 million for a one-year deal.
The Saints Apparently Need a Veteran Cornerback
Stephon Gilmore could do the trick if general manager Mickey Loomis is in the mood.
The Saints’ CB Room with Gilmore
If Jennings has it right, and Gilmore is in play for New Orleans, the cornerback unit would look like this:
- Kool-Aid McKinstry
- Alontae Taylor
- Issac Yiadom
- Stephon Gilmore
- Quincy Riley
- Rico Payton
- Ugo Amadi
- Dalys Beanum
- Rejzohn Wright
There’s a reason why sites like CSC are writing articles about more cornerback help. McKinstry, Taylor, and Yiadom could benefit from an upgrade.
Gilmore with the Vikings Last Season
A five-time Pro Bowler, Gilmore played 15 games for Minnesota last season and tallied a 94.1 passer rating against. He performed dependably but didn’t set the world on fire, which was to be expected for a 34-year-old corner.
In fact, the Vikings added Gilmore as insurance after rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson tragically passed away and Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL at training camp.
On the whole, Vikings fans will remember Gilmore fondly for his 2024 performance.
Other Unsigned Vikings FAs
In addition to Gilmore, these Vikings from the 2024 roster still need NFL homes:
- Jonathan Bullard (DT)
- Dan Feeney (iOL)
- Kamu Grugier-Hill (LB)
- Fabian Moreau (CB)
- Brandon Powell (WR)
- Dalton Risner (G)
- Jihad Ward (DL)
Ex-Vikings tailback Cam Akers recently signed with the Saints.
Mike Hilton Mentioned, Too
Jennings also named-dropped Mike Hilton as an option for the Saints, a man frequently mentioned in the Vikings’ rumor mill.
“Hilton could help New Orleans address one of their biggest weaknesses from last season—stopping the run. He earned a career-high 91.7 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024 on 260 run-defense snaps with 38 stops,” Jennings explained.
“The 5-foot-9, 184-pounder’s voice carries far beyond his stature and could provide veteran leadership to the Saints’ inexperienced cornerback room. The former UDFA of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016 has tallied 14 interceptions, 34 pass breakups and four forced fumbles over his eight-year career.”
Hilton is about two and a half years younger than Gilmore.
Jennings concluded, “During his college career at Ole Miss, Hilton was named the 25th recipient of the Chucky Mullins Courage Award in 2015, which is awarded to a defensive player who embodies courage, character, and leadership. He was also named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, honoring the best defensive back in college football.”
The Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers could also be viable landing spots for Gilmore this season.
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