Pro Football Rumors
In the wake of the 2024 campaign, Stephon Gilmore emerged as one of the veteran Vikings who could elect to retire. No announcement on that front has been made yet, meaning the former Defensive Player of the Year is likely planning to sign with a new team ahead of training camp.
Indeed, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted on a recent Pat McAfee Show appearance (video link) he “believes” Gilmore wants to continue his career. Since the end of his three-year Patriots tenure, the two-time All-Pro has bounced around the NFL. The past four seasons have consisted of one-and-done campaigns with the Panthers, Colts, Cowboys and Vikings.
After being limited to eight games during his 2021 Carolina campaign, Gilmore has managed to remain healthy and continue operating as a full-time starter at each stop. The 34-year-old topped 1,000 defensive snaps in 2022 and ’23 and was a key member of Minnesota’s secondary last season. A return to his peak form will not be expected on a new contract, but with 33 pass deflections over the past three years Gilmore could still offer suitors veteran playmaking at the cornerback spot.
One major domino at that position fell when Jaire Alexander signed with the Ravens. The former Packers Pro Bowler took a one-year deal with a base value of $4MM, a steep decline from what the remainder of his Green Bay pact called for but a sign of his drop in value due to injuries. Gilmore is older than Alexander but his durability could help his value on a summer arrangement.
Jalen Ramsey remains on the trade block, with the Dolphins committed to moving him. The list of suitors in his case is short, though, and any teams looking for a veteran cover man which do not end up acquiring Ramsey could look Gilmore’s way. The latter would become a 14-year NFL veteran in the event he were to join a team in time for the 2025 campaign.
A five-time Pro Bowler who has a Super Bowl title on his resume, Gilmore’s decorated career could continue if he generates a market this summer. A one-year deal will likely be sufficient for any suitors looking to add him as a veteran starting option.
