Harrison Smith isn’t the only Minnesota Vikings star contemplating retirement.
The Vikings secondary is in dire straights with five of its six main contributors either pending free agents or considering the next chapter in their careers.
Smith has been a candidate to retire for a pair of offseason, but he’s joined by a fellow 2012 draftee and potential Hall of Famer who may hang it up.
Stephon Gilmore
According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore is considering retirement after 14 seasons in the NFL, citing that his body is “feeling it” more than normal at the end of a season.
“I’m probably the last corner playing,” Gilmore said of the 2012 draft class. “So, definitely going to sit down with my family and think about what’s best for me and go from there.”
Gilmore, 34, arrived in Minnesota on a one-year contract in August, adding to his $115 million in career earnings since being drafted by the Buffalo Bills 10th overall in the 2012 draft.
He’s earned five Pro Bowl mentions, two All-Pro honors and Defensive Player of the Year for the 2019 season. Gilmore won a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots in 2019.
Gilmore is among the Vikings’ starting trio of cornerbacks eligible to reach free agency. He played 904 snaps this season, the second-most among corners behind only Byron Murphy Jr.
The Vikings have major decisions to make in the secondary with Shaquill Griffin, Murphy and Gilmore on expiring contracts along with starting safety Cam Bynum and Smith.
Smith and Gilmore’s decisions on retirement will likely influence the decisions made ahead of free agency.
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