The Minnesota Vikings are in the middle of their 2024 training camp grind. That’s if you can even call it that anymore. Practices in Eagan look a lot different now, than what Vikings players once experienced in Mankato. Back then, water was limited, breaks were few and far between, and two-a-days were still part of everyone’s football vocabulary.
Unfortunately, players still get injured, something we’ve seen happen to multiple Minnesota cornerbacks already. The newly acquired Shaq Griffin has been impressive, but he’s been limited due to “a left leg soft-tissue” injury.
Mechi Blackmon tore his ACL last week. And, of course, there’s a football side to Khyree Jackson’s tragic death a few weeks ago, too. It has already been reported that the 4th round draft pick out of Oregon was going to get every opportunity to contribute on Sundays, possibly even as a starter.
Minnesota Vikings reportedly planning big time move at cornerback
All of this bad luck has led to an untenable situation in the purple and gold secondary. There’s no denying it. As of July 30, the Vikings do not have an NFL-caliber group of cornerbacks. It doesn’t matter how good their pass rush is. Nor would it matter that Harrison Smith and Cam Bynum make one hell of a safety duo.
This roster NEEDS significant improvement at corner, or the defense will not be able to stop anyone. Luckily, according to both Judd Zulgad and Darren “Doogie” Wolfson on Tuesday’s episode of “Mackey & Judd” (SKOR North), the Vikings are all but guaranteed to make some sort of splash move at CB in the next two or three weeks, whether it be via free agency pick-up or trade.
Judd: “Evans is going to make the team. I can’t decide if they want to start him, but I don’t think that we should sleep on the fact that there could be one more significant addition at corner[back] in a few weeks. A player whose name we actually recognize.”
Doogie: “Oh, absolutely. I fully anticipate another move. Now, maybe it’s one of the two names you described. Or maybe it’s another free agent, or maybe it’s somebody that’s currently on someone else’s roster. But yes, I fully anticipate a recognizable name coming in in the coming weeks.”
Mackey & Judd Show – SKOR North
I mean, this really is the only option, right? Over the next few weeks, teams across the league will be looking to move on from veteran players at every position, as they try to get their books right for the start of a new season.
That should give the Minnesota Vikings a plethora of opportunities to snag a viable starter (and maybe more), whether he comes via trade or waiver wire pickup. It’s difficult to know who will become available, which is probably why general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah hasn’t jumped on one CB option already on the market.
Minnesota Vikings interested in Stephon Gilmore, among others
Former Buffalo Bill cornerback Stephon Gilmore is 34-years-old. He has made five pro bowls and two All-NFL teams. Gilmore also won 2019 defensive player of the year, while with the New England Patriots. Since 2021, he’s played for three different teams, the Cowboys, Colts and Panthers.
And according to Wolfson, Stephon is among a few ‘plug and play’ veteran cornerbacks who are “on the Vikings’ radar”.
“Look at Stephon Gilmore, he could sign in two weeks and probably be okay. Like, he doesn’t need to come in today, tomorrow. Like, if he comes in, heading into those joint practices with the Browns; let’s say… August 13th.”
“My understanding is Gilmore is still staying in shape, right, like he’s training. He’s got his trainer, he’s doing work. I get it, there’s something different about being in football shape, being a part of a team. But Gilmore, who will be 34 in September, has been through it. He knows how to get himself ready for a season. So, if he signs in a couple weeks, that would be okay. I’m not saying it’s going to be him, I’m just saying I firmly believe he is one of a few names on the Vikings radar. But yeah, I anticipate something happening in the coming weeks.”
Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd – SKOR North
Stephon Gilmore, for all the reasons Wolfson named, is exactly the type of veteran pickup that the Minnesota Vikings should be (and clearly are) on the hunt for. And in all honesty, they need more than one so it wouldn’t surprise me to see a splashy free agency pickup that goes along with a notable trade for another.
This article first appeared on Minnesota Sports Fan and was syndicated with permission.
