The Indianapolis Colts could use another veteran cornerback, and Stephon Gilmore needs a team. With that said, it makes sense for him to return to the Hoosier State.
Gilmore spent the 2022 campaign with the Colts. He played with the Dallas Cowboys last season and is currently a free agent.
Several mock drafts had the team taking a cornerback like Terrion Arnold or Quinyon Mitchell in the first round of this year’s NFL draft. However, they selected defensive end Laiatu Latu with the 15th overall pick.
This offseason, the Colts haven’t done much in terms of addressing the cornerback position. They re-signed Kenny Moore II and drafted Micah Abraham in the sixth round, but that’s it. Perhaps they should sign Gilmore, one of the best available free agents.
Could Stephon Gilmore Return to the Indianapolis Colts?
Spotlighting His Career
Following a career at South Carolina, Stephon Gilmore was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 10th overall in the 2012 draft. He would play five seasons in Buffalo. During his last season with the team, he was voted to the first Pro Bowl of his career.
Gilmore signed with the New England Patriots in 2017. He helped Tom Brady and Co. win Super Bowl LIII during the 2018 season. In 2019, he took home NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Gilmore was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021. He would play one season with the team, producing 16 tackles and two interceptions.
The following year, Gilmore signed a two-year deal with the Colts. He played one year in Indy before being traded to the Cowboys last offseason. In 2023, he recorded 68 tackles, two interceptions, and 13 passes defended with Dallas.
Why the Colts Should Sign Stephon Gilmore
Indy’s secondary was one of its biggest weaknesses last season. It’s surprising that the team waited until the sixth round to draft a cornerback this year.
The Colts’ cornerback room is young and inexperienced for the most part. Other than Kenny Moore II, there really aren’t any veterans. Stephon Gilmore, who turns 34 in September, would be a solid addition to the youthful core, which includes JuJu Brents, Jaylon Jones, and Dallis Flowers.
Gilmore requested a trade out of Indianapolis. His wish was granted as he was sent to the Cowboys for a 2023 fifth-round pick (Evan Hull). He likely wanted to go to a Super Bowl contender, which is what Dallas was.
The Colts aren’t expected to reach the Super Bowl this upcoming season. But with a healthy Anthony Richardson leading the way, they could be one of the league’s most exciting teams and make the playoffs.
They should be a million times better than the 2022 Colts squad he played on that went 4-12-1. Maybe that could persuade Gilmore to sign with the team this offseason.
Gilmore would be a great mentor for the young cornerbacks. With a Super Bowl ring, Defensive Player of the Year award, and five Pro Bowls on his resume, he could teach them quite a bit.
Signing Gilmore wouldn’t make the Colts have an elite cornerback room. But his addition could help the secondary be better than they were last season.
Main Image1; Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
