The Minnesota Vikings are getting much-needed help at cornerback in the form of a two-time All-Pro veteran.
Stephon Gilmore has agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $10 million, with $7 million guaranteed. Gilmore’s agent Jason Chayut, who negotiated the deal, confirmed to USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon.
Gilmore, who turns 34 in September, will reunite with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who was on the coaching staff of the New England Patriots during some of Gilmore’s most successful seasons in the NFL. During the 2018 campaign, the first that Gilmore earned an AP first-team All-Pro nomination, Flores was New England’s defensive play caller.
Gilmore would go on to win the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award the following season, though Flores had by that point left to become the coach of the Miami Dolphins.
For the Dallas Cowboys last season, Gilmore mitigated the loss of cornerback Trevon Diggs, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during a practice ahead of Week 3.
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Now, the Vikings are bolstering a position that has seen turnover, injuries and tragedy. Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL on the team’s first day of training camp in late July, Shaquill Griffin hurt his hamstring the following day and fourth-round rookie draft pick Khyree Jackson was tragically killed in a July 6 car crash.
In Gilmore’s 12 seasons in the NFL, he has played for five teams – the Buffalo Bills, Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts and Cowboys – and recorded 561 tackles, 31 interceptions and 140 passes defended.
Gilmore’s deal to the Vikings was first reported by NFL Network.