A former team of Stephon Gilmore apparently hoped for a reunion, but Gilmore instead opted to join his fifth franchise in five seasons.

Stephon Gilmore has agreed to join the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year deal, as first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter on Sunday morning. Gilmore will earn up to $10 million during the 2024 campaign with $7 million guaranteed.

ESPN colleague Jeremy Fowler issued a follow-up report and noted the Carolina Panthers also made an offer to Gilmore. Fowler added Minnesota "came in strong" with its offer.

The New England Patriots traded Gilmore to the Panthers midway through the 2021 season and he played eight games in Carolina. The South Carolina native then departed his hometown team and signed with the Indianapolis Colts during the 2022 offseason. He later was traded to the Cowboys and started 17 games in Dallas during the 2023 season.

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Gilmore told NESN.com in mid-June he had not heard from the Patriots in free agency, and it seems that was the case despite his extended time on the open market.

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