The first free agent wave is over and done with, but a few big-name players like Stephon Gilmore and Jadeveon Clowney are still available on the open market. While we’ve already talked about Clowney’s potential suitors, the market for Gilmore appears to be heating up. After starting his career with the Buffalo Bills, Gilmore signed a five-year, $65 million deal with the New England Patriots in 2017. The former first-round pick immediately justified that deal, earning First-Team All-Pro honors twice while winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2019.
After four strong years with New England, the Patriots traded Stephon Gilmore to the Panthers in the final year of his contract. While injuries limited him to just nine games, the defensive back still found a way to earn a Pro Bowl selection in his age-31 season. While Stephon Gilmore left Carolina as a free agent, recent reports indicate he could have a second tenure with the Panthers.
According to Joe Person of The Athletic, the Panthers have contacted Stephon Gilmore regarding a potential free agent signing. While no deal is imminent, Carolina’s new coaching staff believes the cornerback still has something left in his tank as he enters his age-34 season.
Panthers Looking For Potential Free Agent Reunion With Stephon Gilmore
Stephon Gilmore is not the player he once was, but the free agent is still a reliable starter. Last year, the cornerback finished with an above-average 74.4 PFF grade while allowing a respectable 83.3 passer rating when targeted. While DaRon Bland stole the show in Dallas, Gilmore helped form a reliable cornerback duo.
The Panthers are not going to compete in 2024, so one could wonder why this team is going after an older free agent like Stephon Gilmore. However, Carolina needs more talent. The team finished 26th in defensive EPA/play allowed last year, and that was with Brian Burns on the team. With a serious need for quality pass rushers, Gilmore can improve coverage and give guys like D.J. Wonnum more time to get the quarterback.
Of course, the Panthers won’t be the only team trying to sign Stephon Gilmore as a free agent. There are not enough good cornerbacks to go around, and players who interrupt an opposing passing game are a valuable commodity in today’s pass-happy NFL.
Other Possible Teams
Detroit Lions
Cameron Sutton will not be a part of the 2024 Detroit Lions and, speaking purely from an on-field angle, this is probably a good thing. The cornerback was one of the worst in the league last year, and this team needs another defensive back if they want to make the Super Bowl. Stephon Gilmore is a perfect fit for this defense, and the free agent could be the missing piece to Detroit’s championship puzzle.
Kansas City Chiefs
With L’Jarius Sneed now on the Titans, the Kansas City Chiefs need to fortify their defense. Trent McDuffie is a great cornerback, but he can’t do it all on his own. Adding a reliable veteran free agent like Stephon Gilmore should solidify the secondary and create a championship-caliber unit. Assuming the money’s equal, Gilmore probably would prefer to chase his second Super Bowl ring with a contender like the Chiefs.
New England Patriots
Speaking of reunions, the New England Patriots could use another cornerback. Christian Gonzalez looked like a future star during his injury-shorted rookie season, but somebody needs to start opposite him. J.C. Jackson’s return to Foxboro was an unmitigated disaster, and Jonathan Jones is better off in the slot. Even with Bill Belichick gone, Stephon Gilmore is familiar with New England’s environment, and the free agent would be a good fit for a team that’s going to have to win with defense in 2024.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints won’t have the offensive firepower to win every game in a shootout. With this in mind, they should focus on building the defense so they could win as a well-rounded football team. Marshon Lattimore is still a good player, and Stephon Gilmore can help form one of the game’s better cornerback duos if signed as a free agent. While both players have slowed down in recent years, they’re still above-average starters.
Main Photo: Tim Heitman – USA Today Sports
