Two-time All-Pro and former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore is arguably the best player left on the free agent market. While he’s no longer the elite lockdown cornerback from the late 2010’s, the 33-year-old remains one of the better starting cornerbacks in the league. Last year with the Dallas Cowboys, Gilmore started in all 17 games while recording two interceptions, 13 passes defended, 68 tackles, and a 71.2 PFF grade, the 35th-best mark out of 127 eligible players.
With the Cowboys seemingly uninterested in making any moves this offseason, most analysts across the league believe Gilmore will join a new team in 2024. Until now, the Carolina Panthers have been the clear frontrunners in the Stephon Gilmore free agent sweepstakes. However, a recent report indicates that this reunion might not happen.
According to Joe Person of The Athletic, there has been “no movement” between the cornerback and team in recent weeks. This heavily suggests a strong disconnect in contract talks which could lead to Stephon Gilmore joining a different organization as a free agent.
Free Agent Stephon Gilmore, Panthers, Not Close In Contract Talks
After going unsigned during the first wave of free agency, nobody expected Gilmore to sign anywhere before the start of the 2024 NFL Draft. Even though he’s still a good player, the cornerback is entering his age-34 season, and the Panthers wouldn’t want Gilmore’s presence to prevent them from taking a cornerback if the right player fell to them in the draft. However, with the three-day event over and done with, most believed Stephon Gilmore would no longer be a free agent by this point.
As of this posting, the Panthers have just under $8.1 million in cap space, and they’ll need to use a good chunk of that to sign their incoming rookie class. Seeing as they’ve already brought in several big-name veterans, they might not have the required funds to make a larger free agent offer to Stephon Gilmore. If that’s the case, then the five-time Pro Bowler will take his services to a new team, and these five organizations are the best fits.
Possible Team Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
After trading away L’Jarius Sneed, the Chiefs still need to find a reliable starter opposite Trent McDuffie. Joshua Williams showed plenty of promise through his first two years, but this team could use a proven veteran in case the former fourth-round pick isn’t ready for increased responsibilities. Stephon Gilmore is a perfect fit for the CB2 role in this defense, as the free agent can provide reliable coverage for a defense that is trying to win their third Super Bowl in as many seasons.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts narrowly missed out on L’Jarius Sneed and did not select a cornerback until the sixth round of the NFL Draft. While Kenny Moore is a great slot cornerback, the team could still use a steadying presence on the outside. Stephon Gilmore spent the 2021 season with the Indianapolis Colts, and while that was a different coaching staff, there should be enough leftover executives and coaches in the building to vouch for the free agent.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have aggressively rebuilt their offense in free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft. Now, they should use their remaining resources to fix the defense. While Brandon Staley’s bland scheme and subpar coaching made players look worse than they are, this team could still use a veteran free agent like Stephon Gilmore. Seeing as they share a division with the high-flying Kansas City Chiefs and their revamped room of wide receivers, an investment in Stephon Gilmore could pay dividends down the line.
New England Patriots
Christian Gonzalez looked like a future star during his injury-shortened 2023 campaign. While Bill Belichick’s final first-round pick looks like a keeper, New England needs to find someone capable of starting opposite of him. Marcus Jones showed promise as a rookie but effectively missed the entire 2023 season with an ailment of his own, and Jonathan Jones is better in the slot. Stephon Gilmore should be willing to reunite with his old team as a free agent and should have no trouble fitting into Jerod Mayo’s scheme.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have the biggest competitive advantage in the game in a franchise quarterback on a rookie deal. Now, it’s time for the team to capitalize on this window. While Houston has already several big-name players in free agency and through trades, they could use a free agent cornerback like Stephon Gilmore. General Manager Nick Caserio played a large role in bringing him to New England back in 2018, and the Texans could use his coverage skills to slow down the AFC’s elite passing attacks.
Main Photo: Tim Heitman – USA Today Sports
