The Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs are favorites for “patient” Pro Bowl free agent, Stephon Gilmore this summer. According to a report, Gilmore is seeking a new job but is in no rush to find his next team. He’s aiming for a starting role as a training camp is approaching. The veteran is telling multiple sources that he’s patient in finding his next gig but previously said he’s waiting for the “right opportunity” so it it seems like he’s ready to sign with any team as long as he’s a starter.
“Honestly, I’m still being patient and staying ready until teams see what they have in training camp; but you mean to tell me among 32 teams that there are 64 starting corners that are better than me? I don’t think that,” Gilmore said. “If teams want to win, I think they should sign the best players. I know I’m still a starter in this league. I started games last year, but the season doesn’t start until September, we got a while.”
It seems like Gilmore is calling out the whole league and rightfully so. A report before says that even with Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams, they still need a veteran to supply them with the best experience. Late in his career, it’s clear that Gilmore may only be looking for an opportunity to earn another Super Bowl in his career. The Chiefs no longer have L’Jarius Sneed and Gilmore is the next best cost-effective option if they only bring him in for two more years.
The same can be said about the Ravens adding Gilmore. Nate Wiggins may be coming in to replace Rock Ya-Sin and Ronald Darby but they need a legit veteran opposite of Marlon Humphrey.
Ravens, Chiefs Are Favorites for “Patient” Pro Bowl Free Agent Stephon Gilmore
Other Potential Destinations
Detroit Lions
The Lions are building a promising roster that may be good for many years to come. The NFC runner-ups could give Gilmore the desire to join to help lead them to their first Super Bowl. It should give enough supply for two upside young cornerbacks, Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. with the experience the Lions are looking for. It’s looking like an old-school style defense this year since the team was able to trade for Carlton Davis to shape up the team’s youthful secondary.
Carolina Panthers
Gilmore has been flirting with the idea that he could have a reunion with the Panthers. He isn’t closing the door on that possibility as the Panthers say they will continue talking with him. However, the team has been focusing on their offense to help Bryce Young get new weapons like Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette. This pushes the idea that a cornerback or defensive back is out of the question for the team which they should be able to revisit.
Their best option is to bring back Gilmore who’s familiar with the team, especially since they haven’t found a new cornerback until the fifth round of this year’s draft. Jaycee Horn is getting rave reviews this upcoming season so they may as well play it safe to bring in Gilmore to help for an insurance policy.
Dallas Cowboys
Gilmore isn’t shutting down the idea of a reunion again with the Cowboys since he was one of the beloved defensive backs last season. He was able to contribute a lot more than what many were expecting since Trevon Diggs’s injury. However, Diggs is coming next season so this would be enough for the Cowboys but the team should probably rethink that decision. Standout cornerback DaRon Bland credits Gilmore for his mentorship for his breakout last year so it’s troubling to think that he won’t return for another season.
If all these three cornerbacks have excellent chemistry, then why not bring back Gilmore? The Cowboys did select Caelen Carson in this year’s draft but he won’t be ready for a starting role or in rotation since he’s just a rookie. Gimore should stick around to continue mentoring this group and create some talent for the Cowboys before he retires.
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