The Detroit Lions need a new cornerback. After releasing Cameron Sutton following an alleged case of domestic battery, this team could use another body in the secondary. While several big-name players have already found new homes, former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore is still a free agent.
Originally selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Gilmore had always been a good cornerback but truly reached his ceiling until he joined the New England Patriots. The cornerback played a pivotal role in the late dynasty years, earning First-Team All-Pro honors on two separate occasions and winning Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2019. While the free agent isn’t quite as good as he was at his peak, Stephon Gilmore is still a reliable player.
According to Pro Football Focus, the defensive back finished the season with the 35th-best grade out of 127 eligible players. While Stephon Gilmore had the benefit of playing on a strong Dallas Cowboys defense, the fact of the matter is that he can still be a reliable fit for a team looking to replace a departed starter.
Stephon Gilmore Could Be An Ideal Free Agent Fit For Multiple Teams
Even if his legal troubles weren’t in the picture, Stephon Gilmore would still be a free agent upgrade on Cameron Sutton. The former third-round pick had a terrible season during his first year with the Lions, finishing with a paltry 52.3 PFF grade while allowing a 113.9 passer rating when targeted.
The Detroit Lions are in the midst of their Super Bowl window and need to improve the defense if they ever want to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. While they have added Carlton Davis and Amik Robertson to the secondary, Stephon Gilmore would help round out the depth chart as a free agent. There is no such thing as too many good cornerbacks in today’s pass-happy NFL, and the former Defensive Player of the Year will help Detroit win a competitive NFC North.
Of course, the Detroit Lions won’t be the only teams interested in signing Stephon Gilmore as a free agent. Seeing as he’s the best defensive back left on the open market, several teams should want to add him to their team, and these five make the most sense.
Possible Team Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are trying to trade L’Jarius Sneed. If they finally find a partner, this team will need to sign a free agent like Stephon Gilmore to fill his role. While Sneed is better than the present-day version of Gilmore, the former Defensive Player of the Year should be able to hold his own opposite Trent McDuffie. Now on the wrong side of 30, Gilmore should spend his glory years chasing rings with one of the best teams in football.
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are one of the top suitors for L’Jarius Sneed. However, if they can’t get him, then they might as well pivot to Stephon Gilmore as a free agent. While the Titans aren’t going to win the Super Bowl next year, they are going to be more competitive. With Gilmore helping to improve the defense, this team could push for a Wild Card spot if Will Levis makes the Year 2 leap.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills secondary is going to look dramatically different in 2024. With Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, and Tre’Davious White all off the roster, Buffalo has to rebuild on the fly if they want to finally make a deep playoff run with Josh Allen. While Stephon Gilmore never played under current head coach Sean McDermott, he began his career with the Bills and could be a good free agent signing. Tre’Davious White effectively replaced Gilmore in 2017, and now Gilmore can replace White in 2024.
New England Patriots
Speaking of reunions, Stephon Gilmore could return to another one of his old stomping grounds as a free agent. Gilmore’s best seasons came with New England, and this team is in desperate need of some cornerback help. While Bill Belichick isn’t here anymore, there are still enough coaches from his era to successfully incorporate him into the defense. With Christian Gonzalez serving as the top cornerback, Gilmore can fall into the second spot and form one of the better cornerback duos in the game.
New Orleans Saints
If the Saints don’t make the playoffs in 2024, heads will roll. Head coach Dennis Allen is on the hot seat, and he’ll need to improve the defense now that the Falcons have added quarterback Kirk Cousins. While both players are on the older side, Marshon Lattimore and Stephon Gilmore would have the potential to be a lethal cornerback duo. The Saints don’t have the offensive firepower to go blow-for-blow with the NFL’s elite, so they might as well build a defense that can slow down opposing offenses.