Cornerback Stephon Gilmore has signed a new contract with the Indianapolis Colts. The 2019 Defensive Player of the Year has dealt with a number of significant injuries over the past two seasons but still remains one of the NFL’s best corners. As a member of the Carolina Panthers, he made his fourth straight Pro Bowl in 2021 despite playing a career-low 305 defensive snaps. Gilmore will turn 32 this coming September.
Comp update: Colts are giving CB Stephon Gilmore a two-year, 23 million deal including $14 million guaranteed, per source. https://t.co/9Ot1oD0lxt
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 15, 2022
More Leaguewide News: Tyrann Mathieu Signs With Saints
Stephon Gilmore, Indianapolis Colts, Agree to Contract
Gilmore began his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills. He was selected with the 10th-overall pick and remains the highest defensive back picked by the Bills since Dontae Whitner in 2006. In five seasons with the Bills, Gilmore recorded at least nine pass breakups and interceptions in every season with the club. His breakout season came in 2016 when he recorded five interceptions, 12 pass defenses, and was selected to the first Pro Bowl of his career.
Following the 2016 season, Gilmore would go on to sign a five-year(s)/$65 million contract with the rival New England Patriots. He played four seasons in New England and was an integral member of the Patriots team that went on to win Super Bowl LIII. His standout seasons came in 2018 and 2019 as Gilmore would record 20 pass defenses in back-to-back seasons. He also led the league in interceptions with six and recorded a career-low passer rating when targeted (44.1) in 2019 before being named Defensive Player of the Year.
Gilmore struggled in 2020. He missed a total of five games with multiple injuries and his overall grade per Pro Football Focus of 61.0 was his lowest since his rookie season in 2013. Gilmore then missed the first seven games of the 2021 season while on the physically unable to perform list. He was traded from the Patriots to the Panthers on October 6th for a 2023 sixth-round pick. Gilmore then went on to play eight games for the Panthers in 2021. His two interceptions, two pass defenses, a passer rating against of 78.6 and 6.4 yards per target saw him named to his fifth Pro Bowl.
Gilmore will now try to prove he still has some juice left in the tank going into his 11th NFL season.
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