Andrew Krammer reports that Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore is considering retirement after 13 seasons and 182 starts in the NFL. In discussing his future, Gilmore stated, “I’m going to sit down with my family and think about what’s best for me and go from there. We’ll see. Been playing at a high level for a long time… Older, body feeling it more.” The 34-year-old Gilmore, who was selected 10th overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2012, played out his rookie contract and had his fifth-year option picked up by the team for the 2016 season. After his time with the Bills, Gilmore signed a five-year, $65 million contract with the New England Patriots, which included $31 million guaranteed.
In 2021, Gilmore was traded to the Carolina Panthers for a future sixth-round pick while earning a base salary of $7 million. The following year, he signed a two-year, $23 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts before being traded to the Dallas Cowboys in March 2023. Last offseason, Gilmore joined the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year, $7 million deal.
During the 2024 season, Gilmore played in 15 games for the Vikings, recording 56 tackles, one interception, and nine pass defenses. Despite his success, he is now evaluating his future in the league, with retirement being a real possibility as he considers the toll his long career has taken on his body.
