Vikings beat Giants to the punch for first visit with All-Pro CB

If NY Giants general manager Joe Schoen wants to add some veteran cornerback experience to the secondary, he might have to act a little quicker than first assumed. That's because the Minnesota Vikings, the team he's facing Week 1, are beating him to the punch.

Stephon Gilmore is a player who has been linked to both Minnesota and New York throughout the offseason. Gilmore, a former All-Pro DB, most recently played with the Dallas Cowboys. He remains unsigned, but his first visit will be with the NFC North side, insider Josina Anderson has reported:

Stephon Gilmore will take his fist free agent visit to meet with the Vikings

This trip makes a ton of sense. The Vikings are also in need of some CB help and Gilmore could step in and compete for a starting role. Minnesota features plenty of youngsters on defense, with the same being the case for the G-Men.

Deonte Banks is locked in as CB1 for defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, but on the other side of the field, things are a bit up in the air. Cor'Dale Flott is in the lead for the CB2 job, but Nick McCloud is also getting a serious look. This is a battle that could last all the way to Week 1.

However, plenty of Giants fans have been calling for Schoen to bring in a veteran of Gilmore's caliber to add some stability to the position. Xavien Howard is another player who has been on the wishlist for many, but we don't see that happening.

Adding Gilmore seemed like a bit of a long shot, but the hope was still there. Now that he's visiting the Vikings, though, it seems as if they have the advantage in trying to get him to sign on the dotted line. The Giants could still try and get him to town for a visit, but their efforts might be too little, too late. Perhaps Brian Daboll feels comfortable with either Flott or McCloud starting vs. Minnesota. We would have preferred a Gilmore-type playmaker, but hey, Daboll knows what he's doing.