Former All-Pro defensive back scheduled to meet with Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have had a turnstile at cornerback for several seasons. After the injury to Mekhi Blackmon and the trade on Friday afternoon that sent former s econd-round pick Andrew Booth Jr to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for reclamation project Nahshon Wright , the woes of finding consistency in the DB room have continued. However, some help may be coming in the form of a former All-Pro corner.

Former New England Patriots All-Pro corner Stephon Gilmore is set to meet with the Vikings on Monday. The 12-year veteran last played with the Cowboys last season and has bounced around with the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers after departing from the Patriots after the 2020-2021 season. Gilmore started his career with the Buffalo Bills back in 2012 when he was selected 10th overall in the NFL Draft.

Gilmore then signed with the New England Patriots in free agency in the summer of 2017, where he made a name for himself as the best cornerback in the league, making the AP All-Pro team in back-to-back seasons in 2018 and 2019.

NEWS: Free agent CB Stephon Gilmore tells me he’s flying out on Sunday to visit with the #Vikings on Monday. pic.twitter.com/MadFhhSBbI

Gilmore, now 33, is not the former defensive player of the year finalist he once was in his prime. However, he is still a serviceable corner who would instantly start opposite Byron Murphy in the season opener if he were to sign. Last season, Gilmore totaled a pair of interceptions and added 13 pass defenses while posting a PFF grade of 74.4 .

The former Cowboy would also provide another veteran leader on a defense that is full of young talent. With the departure of Patrick Peterson in 2022 and Danielle Hunter and Jordan Hicks this past offseason, the Vikings have just two players starting on defense who have been on the team for the last three seasons or longer: Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus. Adding Gilmore would be another veteran voice on a team of young players.

There is no guarantee Gilmore’s visit will lead to a signing, but if it does, it will give the Vikings' secondary a massive boost.