The Minnesota Vikings have made a significant move to strengthen their defense ahead of the upcoming NFL season. On Sunday, the team announced the signing of experienced cornerback Stephon Gilmore to a one-year contract worth $10 million, with $7 million guaranteed. The addition of Gilmore brings much-needed depth and talent to the Vikings' cornerback position, which has been hit by injuries during training camp.

The Vikings' cornerback corps suffered a blow when second-year player Mekhi Blackmon went down with an ACL injury on the first day of camp. Shortly after that, Shaq Griffin also suffered an injury, though it is not expected to keep him out for an extended period. To address these setbacks, the Vikings previously signed veteran Fabian Moreau. Now, with the addition of Gilmore, the team looks to solidify their cornerback lineup.

With Gilmore in the mix, he is expected to start alongside Byron Murphy Jr. when the team deploys a two-corner personnel grouping. Gilmore will handle the outside responsibilities, while Murphy Jr. will shift to the slot when the team opts for a nickel package. Akayleb Evans, who had been seeing first-team action, is likely to provide depth. The fate of Moreau, who has been working with the first team, remains uncertain, as the coaching staff evaluates his performance in training camp. It is possible that undrafted free agent Dwight McGlothern may secure a spot on the active roster, which could lead to Moreau's departure.

The addition of Gilmore aligns with the Vikings' goal of playing more man coverage this season. Gilmore demonstrated impressive performance in man coverage last year, ranking 10th among starting cornerbacks in Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades. Notably, he played man coverage on 43% of his snaps, a significantly higher proportion than any Vikings cornerback in the previous season.

Despite being 34 years old, Gilmore's track record suggests that he can still be a force on the field. PFF's study on positional age curves indicated that cornerbacks, like running backs, tend to decline after their late 20s. However, there have been successful examples of cornerbacks performing at a high level beyond the age of 30. Players like Brent Grimes, Terence Newman, Rashean Mathis, and Johnathan Joseph continued to excel in their mid-30s. On the other hand, the only struggle was seen with Josh Norman during his time with the San Francisco 49ers in 2021.

The Vikings' defense has shown promise during training camp, particularly during joint practices against the Cleveland Browns. The team's health has been relatively intact, aside from the unfortunate injury to Blackmon. The defense has showcased strong performances from their edge rushers, linebackers, and safeties. Adding Gilmore to strengthen their weak link at cornerback positions gives the Vikings an opportunity to become a formidable force and face off against challenging opponents like the 49ers, Texans, and division rivals Packers and Lions.

While some have labeled this a "rebuilding" season for the Vikings, their offseason moves and roster reflect a more competitive approach. Adding talented players like Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Blake Cashman, along with contract extensions for Justin Jefferson and Christian Darrisaw, indicate the team's commitment to returning to the playoffs.

The success of the Vikings' postseason aspirations will heavily rely on quarterback Sam Darnold. However, a formidable defense led by Gilmore could alleviate some pressure on Darnold and discourage him from forcing plays. With the addition of Gilmore, the Vikings' management and ownership have made it clear that they are pushing for a playoff return in the upcoming season.