JUST-IN; “Minnesota Vikings in Crisis: Key Veterans Stephon Gilmore and Harrison Smith Considering Retirement!

The Minnesota Vikings’ defensive secondary, which leaned heavily on experienced veterans in 2024, could look very different in 2025, as two key players are reportedly considering retirement. According to Andrew Krammer of the Minnesota Star-Tribune, both cornerback Stephon Gilmore and safety Harrison Smith are pondering stepping away from the game. Both players entered the league in the 2012 draft class and are now among the oldest in the NFL.

Smith, who was rumored to be contemplating retirement last season, restructured his contract to return to the Vikings for his 13th season. With over 30 career interceptions and 20 sacks, Smith is likely to be a Hall of Fame candidate once he decides to retire. Throughout his career, he has been regarded as one of the best safeties in the league, and he may eventually receive the recognition he deserves once his career comes to an end.

Gilmore, who won NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2019, has also had an impressive career. However, he’s become somewhat of a journeyman, with the Vikings being his fifth team in just four seasons. At 34 years old, Gilmore played solidly throughout the year, starting 15 games and missing only two due to injury. Despite his strong performance, Krammer reports that Gilmore is feeling the wear and tear of his long career, which is leading him to consider retirement this offseason.

If both Smith and Gilmore retire, along with the potential departure of other free agents like Byron Murphy, Camryn Bynum, and Shaq Griffin, the Vikings’ secondary will look vastly different in 2025. The only returning player with significant experience would be Josh Metellus, though the team will get cornerback Mekhi Blackmon back after he suffered a torn ACL in training camp.

The future of the Vikings’ secondary is just one of many questions the team will have to address as they head into an exciting offseason, which includes free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft. How the team handles these changes could have a major impact on their success next season.