Tag: Stephon Gilmore

October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore (21) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings announce Stephon Gilmore signing, add WR

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Minnesota Vikings officially signed five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore on Monday amid a flurry of moves.

The Vikings did not release terms, but multiple reports on Sunday said the deal was worth $10 million, including $7 million guaranteed.

The Vikings also announced the signing of 2022 undrafted wide receiver Justin Hall.

In corresponding moves, the team waived punter Seth Vernon and receiver Ty James.

Gilmore, who visited the Vikings last week, turns 34 on Sept. 19. The two-time All-Pro recorded 68 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble while starting all 17 games last season with the Dallas Cowboys.

Gilmore has 561 tackles, 31 interceptions, seven forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 165 career games (158 starts) with the Buffalo Bills (2012-16), New England Patriots (2017-20), Carolina Panthers (2021), Indianapolis Colts (2022) and Cowboys (2023).

The Vikings are in need of help in their secondary after Mekhi Blackmon suffered a torn ACL in training camp last month. The Southern California product was viewed as a top contender to serve as the Vikings’ third cornerback this year following the death of rookie Khyree Jackson in a July 6 car accident.

Hall went to training camp with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 but was cut during roster reductions. He played for the UFL’s Houston Roughnecks in 2024 and the USFL’s Houston Gamblers in 2023.

–Field Level Media

Dec 10, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) fumbles the ball after being tackled by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore (21) in the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Vikings, CB Stephon Gilmore reach 1-year deal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Free agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore and the Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth up to $10 million, multiple media outlets reported Sunday morning.

Per ESPN, the deal includes $7 million in guaranteed money.

Gilmore, who visited the Vikings on Monday, turns 34 on Sept. 19.

A two-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection, Gilmore recorded 68 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble while starting all 17 games last season with the Dallas Cowboys.

Gilmore has 561 tackles, 31 interceptions, seven forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 165 career games (158 starts) with the Buffalo Bills (2012-16), New England Patriots (2017-20), Carolina Panthers (2021), Indianapolis Colts (2022) and Cowboys (2023).

He was the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year and won Super Bowl LIII with the Patriots.

The Vikings are in need of help in their secondary after Mekhi Blackmon suffered a torn ACL in training camp last month. The Southern California product was viewed as a top contender to serve as the Vikings’ third cornerback this year following the death of rookie Khyree Jackson in a July 6 car accident.

–Field Level Media

Dec 19, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Stephon Gilmore (9) following the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Colts sign CB Stephon Gilmore to 2-year deal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Cornerback Stephon Gilmore is signing a two-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts, multiple outlets reported Friday.

ESPN said the deal with worth $23 million, with $14 million guaranteed.

The Colts announced the signing of another veteran defensive back, safety Rodney McLeod, on Thursday.

Gilmore, 31, played eight games last season for the Carolina Panthers, who acquired him from the New England Patriots in October. He was limited by a hamstring injury in his brief time with Carolina after head coach Matt Rhule disclosed that the team made the move — parting with only a sixth-round pick — in hopes of playing more aggressive man coverage.

The NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, Gilmore tore his quad in Week 15 of the 2020 season and didn’t return to the field until Week 8 last season.

Drafted 10th overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2012, Gilmore signed a five-year, $65 million contract with the Patriots in free agency in 2017 and was a two-time All-Pro in New England.

He entered 2021 on the physically unable to perform list and wanted the Patriots to address his contract. In his first media availability with the Panthers last season, Gilmore said he “didn’t like how (the Patriots) handled my situation with my injury.”

He joins a veteran group on the Indianapolis defense that includes DeForest Buckner, Kenny Moore and Darius Leonard. The latter two have been active in recruiting free agents to the Colts this offseason.

A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Gilmore has 27 interceptions in 132 games (125 starts) with the Bills (2012-16), Patriots (2017-20) and Panthers.

–Field Level Media

Oct 10, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Bears’ Justin Fields, Panthers’ Stephon Gilmore enter COVID protocol

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Quarterback Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears and cornerback Stephon Gilmore of the Carolina Panthers were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday in advance of their teams’ season finales this weekend.

Both the Bears and Panthers have been eliminated from playoff contention in the NFC.

Fields didn’t play in a Week 17 victory over the New York Giants because of an ankle injury, but coach Matt Nagy had said Wednesday that Fields would start this weekend when the Bears (6-10) face the Vikings (7-9) in Minnesota.

The starting job Sunday will fall to veteran Andy Dalton if Fields isn’t released from the protocol before game time.

Fields, the No. 11 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, is 2-8 as a starter. He’s completed just 58.9 percent of his pass attempts for 1,870 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Gilmore, acquired by the Panthers in a trade with the New England Patriots in October, has played in eight games (three starts) for Carolina. The 31-year-old, a two-time All-Pro, had two interceptions, two passes defensed and 16 tackles on the season.

The Panthers also on Thursday placed rookie wide receiver Shi Smith on the COVID list. He has six catches for 104 yards in six games.

The Panthers (5-11) will end their season Sunday at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-4).

–Field Level Media

Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore reportedly is holding out of mandatory minicamp. LEDE 1

CB Stephon Gilmore to make Panthers debut

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Carolina activated Stephon Gilmore from the physically unable to perform list Saturday and the All-Pro cornerback will make his Panthers debut Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons

The Panthers acquired Gilmore in a trade with the New England Patriots on Oct. 6, giving up a 2023 sixth-round draft pick.

The 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Gilmore has been on the PUP list this season while recovering from surgery for a torn quad in December. He was eligible to return starting in Week 7.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Gilmore was in the final season of a five-year, $65 million deal signed with the Patriots in 2017. He had made it clear to the Patriots that he wanted to be among the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL, but the two sides were unable to agree on a restructured deal.

Byron Jones of the Miami Dolphins is the top-paid cornerback at $16.1 million, according to Spotrac.

Gilmore spent the first five seasons of his career with the Buffalo Bills, who selected him No. 10 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. In 124 career games (122 starts), he has 411 tackles, one sack, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He has intercepted 25 passes and returned them for 452 yards, including two touchdowns.

Gilmore, 31, is a native of Rock Hill, S.C., located about 30 miles from the Panthers’ home in Charlotte, N.C. He still lives in the area.

The Panthers (3-4), who have lost four straight games, also placed defensive end Darryl Johnson (hamstring) on injured reserve and promoted wide receiver Keith Kirkwood and punter Lachlan Edwards from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s game at Atlanta (3-3).

–Field Level Media

Michael Carter of the Jets is tackled by J.C. Jackson of the Patriots in the first half as the New England Patriots played the NY Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on September 19, 2021. The New England Patriots Came To Play The Ny Jets At Metlife Stadium In East Rutherford Nj On September 19 2021

Patriots’ J.C. Jackson ‘shocked’ by Stephon Gilmore trade

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson said his desire to improve his game has not changed since Stephon Gilmore was traded to the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday.

“I still have the same mentality every day, and that’s to compete and get better,” Jackson said on Thursday.

Jackson admitted he was “shocked” by the Gilmore trade, noting that the All-Pro had served as a mentor to him since he joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of Maryland iin 2018.

Jackson referenced Gilmore’s demeanor and the way that he prepared to compete in each game.

“Just the mentality he had to go out and compete every week, facing the No. 1 receiver,” Jackson said. “He never got too high, never got too low. He just stayed focused and competed every week.”

Jackson, 25, has recorded 17 tackles and two interceptions in four games this season for New England (1-3), which visits the Houston Texans (0-4) on Sunday.

Jackson has 117 tackles and 19 interceptions in 49 career games with the Patriots.

Gilmore, 31, was the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a four-time Pro Bowl selection. He was in the final season of a five-year, $65 million deal signed with the Patriots in 2017. He had made it clear to the Patriots that he wanted to be among the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL, but the two sides were unable to agree on a restructured deal.

–Field Level Media

Nov 29, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) talks with a member of the Arizona Cardinals prior to the start of the game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots release All-Pro CB Stephon Gilmore

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The New England Patriots are releasing All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore after they could not reach a deal on a restructured contract.

Gilmore, 31, confirmed his departure in a tweet Wednesday morning.

“We enjoyed so much success together and you have been an incredible inspiration for my individual achievements,” Gilmore wrote to Patriots fans before continuing with his gratitude for the Patriots. “… To Mr. [owner Robert] Kraft, the coaches, and the organization thank you for providing me with this platform and allowing me to be part of greatness. Most of all I want to thank my teammates who lined up next to me every Sunday with one goal in mind.

“Those moments on and off the field will never be forgotten.”

Gilmore has been on the physically unable to perform list as he recovers from surgery for a torn quad in December and was eligible to return for Week 7 action. Hovering over Gilmore and the Patriots, however, has been his desire for a reworked contract.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Gilmore was in the final season of a five-year, $65 million deal signed with the Patriots in 2017. He made it clear he wanted to be among the highest-paid cornerbacks.

Byron Jones of the Miami Dolphins is the top-paid cornerback at $16.1 million, according to Spotrac, with three others — Trae Waynes of the Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Haden of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jones’ teammate Xavien Howard — all earning more than $15 million annually.

Releasing Gilmore opens up $5.8 million in cap space, ESPN reported.

Gilmore now becomes a free agent, and the competition for the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year could be fierce.

Gilmore spent the first five seasons of his career with the Buffalo Bills, who selected him No. 10 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. In 124 career games (122 starts), he has 411 tackles, one sack, six forced fumbles and three fumble records. He has intercepted 25 passes and returned them for 452 yards, including two touchdowns.

He won one Super Bowl with the Patriots, highlighted by an interception of a Jared Goff pass late in the game with the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 in Super Bowl LIII.

J.C. Jackson and Jalen Mills have been starting at cornerback for New England.

–Field Level Media

Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore reportedly is holding out of mandatory minicamp. LEDE 1

Report: Patriots CB Stephon Gilmore to open season on PUP list

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The New England Patriots will open the season without cornerback Stephon Gilmore.

Gilmore was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform List after being largely limited in preseason.

The designation means Gilmore must sit out at least the first six games of the season. He is still recovering from surgery to repair a torn quadriceps muscle and ended last season on injured reserve after 11 games.

Gilmore, who turns 31 in September, is scheduled to make $7 million in base salary in 2021, the final year of his current contract. He skipped the Patriots’ mandatory minicamp and has made it clear he’s seeking a new deal.

Gilmore, he 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, was a first-team All-Pro in New England in 2018 and 2019.

The Patriots need to trim the roster to 53 by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. By adding Gilmore to the PUP list, he won’t count against that number.

–Field Level Media

Nov 29, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) talks with a member of the Arizona Cardinals prior to the start of the game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots CB Stephon Gilmore expresses contract frustration with tweet

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New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore wants to be paid like one of the best defensive backs in the NFL.

He said as much Tuesday with one two-word tweet.

CBS Sports tweeted a list of the 10 highest-paid defensive backs in the league, which now appears to have been deleted. Gilmore, who did not crack the list, quote-tweeted the list with the succinct message, “Oh ok.”

Gilmore, 30, skipped the Patriots’ mandatory minicamp as he seeks a new deal. He is scheduled to make $7 million in base salary in 2021, the final year of his current contract. The Athletic reported that the Patriots and Gilmore have not made much progress on a new agreement.

Gilmore was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2018 and 2019, won 2019 Defensive Player of the Year and made the Pro Bowl in four of the last five seasons.

In nine seasons with the Buffalo Bills (2012-16) and Patriots (2017-20), Gilmore has started 122 of 124 games and recorded 25 interceptions, two of them returned for touchdowns. He also has forced six fumbles and recovered three.

–Field Level Media