The Minnesota Vikings are poised to enact significant upgrades to their defensive lineup in 2024, yet lingering uncertainties persist at the cornerback position—a void that Stephon Gilmore could potentially fill.
According to a report from The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, head coach Kevin O’Connell revealed that defensive coordinator Brian Flores is aiming to implement more man coverage strategies for the upcoming season. The Athletic also noted that during Flores’ tenure with the Miami Dolphins, his teams employed man coverage on 50.5 percent of snaps, the highest rate in the NFL. However, last season, the Vikings utilized man coverage on only 19.5 percent of snaps due largely to limitations within the cornerback roster.
The Vikings had initially shown interest in acquiring star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed from the Kansas City Chiefs. However, Sneed was traded to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a third-round pick, along with a lucrative $76 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the league.
Instead of pursuing Sneed, the Vikings opted to sign Shaquill Griffin to a one-year contract valued at up to $6 million. This signing underscores the team’s intention to transition from zone to man coverage. However, Griffin’s midseason release by the Houston Texans last year suggests that he may only serve as competition for the starting outside cornerback position alongside Akayleb Evans, Andrew Booth Jr., and Mekhi Blackmon, while Byron Murphy Jr. shifts to the slot.
Despite these efforts, questions remain regarding the cornerback situation, prompting speculation about the potential addition of Stephon Gilmore to the roster. Gilmore, a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, showcased his prowess as one of the league’s premier cornerbacks even at the age of 33.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) projected Gilmore to command a contract worth $10 million annually, consistent with the two-year, $20 million deal he signed with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022 before being traded to the Dallas Cowboys during the 2023 deadline. Gilmore played a pivotal role in bolstering the Cowboys’ defense, contributing to their rise from 12th to fifth in yards allowed from 2022 to last season.
Gilmore attributes much of his success to his time under Brian Flores, particularly during their tenure with the New England Patriots. Flores, who served as the Patriots’ defensive playcaller during their Super Bowl-winning 2018 season, earned Gilmore’s respect and admiration for his coaching acumen and leadership.
While Gilmore’s age may suggest a decline in athleticism, his refined approach to coverage has allowed him to maintain a high level of performance. Rather than relying solely on physicality at the line of scrimmage, Gilmore excels at reading receivers’ routes and anticipating their movements, leveraging his football intelligence to consistently limit their effectiveness.
Despite the Vikings’ efforts to address their cornerback concerns, the potential addition of a seasoned veteran like Gilmore could provide invaluable experience and stability to the team’s defense. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Minnesota to see how they navigate these critical roster decisions in their quest for defensive improvement.
