Vikings Defender Considering Retirement
He joined the Minnesota Vikings’ roster for one year — and might hang it up thereafter.
Vikings Defender Considering Retirement
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore played his 13th NFL season in 2024, and he’s evidently contemplating retirement, according to Star Tribune.
“I’m probably the last corner playing. So, definitely going to sit down with my family and think about what’s best for me and go from there,” Gilmore said this week about his 2012 draft class, mentioning that his body was “feeling it.”
When Gilmore injured his hamstring in a win over the Arizona Cardinals in December, it seemed the Vikings would take his recovery cautiously. They did, causing Gilmore to miss two games. On the whole, however, Gilmore’s stop in Minnesota was rather successful. He produced a 63.9 Pro Football Focus grade this season, decent by most standards, along with a 99.4 passer-rating-against.
His signature moment? A game-sealing interception in London off Aaron Rodgers, as the Vikings downed the New York Jets that Sunday en route to a 5-0 start that most didn’t think possible.
During Gilmore’s two absences, the Vikings leaned heavily on Fabian Moreau, who played wonderfully after a suspect performance in Week 13. Moreau, a seasoned veteran with ample starting experience, rebounded and held down the fort until Gilmore’s return. Rookie cornerback Dwight McGlothern also saw a bit of action.
Gilmore is scheduled to hit free agency in six weeks, which, of course, could be moot if he retires. Last year, Minnesota didn’t sign Gilmore until the summer, so if he changes his mind on retirement, perhaps he’ll follow a familiar path in July or August.
Without Gilmore heading into the 2025 offseason, the Vikings certainly need cornerback help. The only viable CB options attached to the roster in late January include rookie Mekhi Blackmon, who is battling back from a July ACL tear, and the aforementioned McGlothern. Minnesota could also re-sign Pro Bowler Byron Murphy, though his price tag will be significantly higher than once thought.
If this is the end of Gilmore — it sure sounds like it — he’ll depart the sport as a Super Bowl champion, five-time Pro Bowler, two-time 1st-Team All-Pro, and NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. That’s a borderline Hall of Fame resume.
Finally, on Gilmore replacement options this offseason, Minnesota could explore Round 1-2 for a rookie from this group:
- Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina)
- Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame)
- Jahdae Barron (Texas)
- Trey Amos (Ole Miss)
Or via free agency:
- D.J. Reed
- Charvarius Ward
- Asante Samuel Jr.
- Rasul Douglas
- Paulson Adebo
Gilmore will turn 35 in September.
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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