Former Gamecocks CB, Stephon Gilmore’s Potential Landing Spots in NFL Free Agency

As the NFL offseason approaches and teams look to bolster their rosters, one name that has continually surfaced in discussions surrounding free agency is Stephon Gilmore, the former standout cornerback for the South Carolina Gamecocks. With a career spanning over a decade and numerous accolades under his belt, Gilmore is still regarded as one of the most talented defensive backs in the league. After stints with the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, and a short period with the Carolina Panthers, Gilmore is once again set to test the free agent waters.

At 33 years old, Gilmore is no longer in the prime of his career, but his experience, leadership, and playmaking ability are undeniable. As one of the most accomplished cornerbacks in NFL history, the upcoming free agency period presents several intriguing landing spots for Gilmore. In this article, we will explore his potential destinations, analyzing the fit with various teams and their needs for a player of Gilmore’s caliber.

Stephon Gilmore: A Look Back at His Career

Before diving into potential landing spots, it’s important to reflect on Stephon Gilmore’s career trajectory. Drafted 10th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills, Gilmore quickly made a name for himself as a physical, ball-hawking cornerback. Over the course of his career, Gilmore has proven to be a lockdown defender with elite ball skills. His accolades speak volumes:

• 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year: This was arguably the high point of Gilmore’s career, when he posted a league-leading 6 interceptions, 20 pass deflections, and earned First-Team All-Pro honors.
• 4x Pro Bowl Selection: Gilmore’s consistency and ability to shut down top-tier receivers earned him four trips to the Pro Bowl.
• 2x First-Team All-Pro: In addition to his 2019 honors, Gilmore was also named a First-Team All-Pro in 2017 and 2018, solidifying his place among the league’s best cornerbacks.
• Super Bowl Champion (2016): Gilmore played a key role in the New England Patriots’ victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI, including an iconic interception in the AFC Championship Game that year.

While Gilmore may not be the same dominant cornerback he once was, his ability to perform at a high level—particularly in man-to-man coverage and in big moments—remains intact. Despite injury concerns and his advancing age, there will be no shortage of teams interested in acquiring his services.

Why Gilmore is Still a Valuable Asset

Gilmore’s potential landing spots should not be overlooked simply due to his age. While his speed and explosiveness may have slightly diminished, his football IQ, leadership, and ability to read the game have only improved with age. Cornerbacks with Gilmore’s combination of experience and skills are incredibly valuable in the modern NFL, where passing offenses continue to evolve and elite wide receivers are the centerpiece of many teams’ attacks.

A few of Gilmore’s standout qualities that will be highly coveted in free agency include:

• Physicality and Press Coverage Ability: Gilmore remains one of the best in the league when it comes to playing press man-to-man coverage, an invaluable skill when facing today’s top receivers.
• Leadership: As a seasoned veteran with a wealth of playoff experience, Gilmore’s leadership will be crucial for any team looking to add a stabilizing influence to their secondary.
• Big-Game Playmaking: Over the course of his career, Gilmore has consistently delivered in clutch moments, including game-changing interceptions and pass breakups. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations remains a strong asset.

With these qualities in mind, let’s examine some of the most plausible landing spots for Stephon Gilmore in NFL free agency.

1. Dallas Cowboys: A Veteran Presence in the Secondary

Dallas Cowboys fans have long been calling for a more consistent and reliable secondary, and with Gilmore set to hit the open market, the Cowboys might be a natural landing spot for the veteran cornerback.

The Cowboys’ defense in recent years has been bolstered by stars like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and Demarcus Lawrence, but their cornerback unit has been inconsistent. Diggs is a playmaker, but his aggressive style sometimes leads to blown coverages, leaving gaps in the defense. Gilmore, with his steady and cerebral play, would provide a perfect balance to Diggs’ high-risk, high-reward approach.

Additionally, the Cowboys’ defense has evolved under Dan Quinn, and Gilmore’s versatility as a cornerback would make him a natural fit in Quinn’s system. The team has a need for a seasoned veteran cornerback to pair with Diggs, and Gilmore’s leadership and experience would bring a stabilizing force to the secondary. His presence would not only enhance the team’s defense but could also be key in big games, especially in the postseason.

Pros:

• Strong leadership role alongside Diggs
• The opportunity to contend for a Super Bowl in a strong defensive unit
• Comfortable system fit under Dan Quinn

Cons:

• Cowboys are already investing heavily in defense; cap space may be limited

2. New York Jets: A Young Team in Need of Experience

The New York Jets have made significant strides in recent seasons, especially on the defensive side of the ball, where Robert Saleh has implemented a strong defensive identity. With standout young cornerbacks like Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed, the Jets already have a talented secondary. However, their lack of veteran leadership could be an issue during high-pressure moments, particularly in playoff games.

Gilmore’s experience could be the perfect addition to an otherwise young and promising Jets defense. His knowledge of facing elite competition in the AFC East would be invaluable in preparing the Jets’ defense for the challenges of contending with high-powered offenses like those of the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and Kansas City Chiefs. The Jets have the cap space to make a move for Gilmore, and adding him to their roster would significantly elevate their chances in a loaded AFC.

Pros:

• Opportunity to play for a rising team with playoff potential
• Could provide mentorship to young corners like Sauce Gardner
• Likely to play a prominent role in a strong defense

Cons:

• Jets have a crowded secondary, may limit his snaps
• Lack of a true established leader on offense

3. Green Bay Packers: A Contender with Playoff Ambitions

The Green Bay Packers have been in a constant battle to find the right pieces to return to the Super Bowl since Aaron Rodgers left for the New York Jets. However, Green Bay’s defense remains a bright spot, with rising stars like Jaire Alexander and Rashan Gary making an impact. Adding a player of Gilmore’s caliber could provide a steadying influence for a defense that could contend for a championship.

Gilmore’s ability to match up with elite receivers would give the Packers’ defense a reliable option when going up against teams with dangerous passing attacks, particularly in the NFC. With the Packers’ focus on a rejuvenated offense, the addition of Gilmore could help solidify a championship-caliber defense.

Pros:

• Championship aspirations, especially after Rodgers’ departure
• Likely to be a featured part of a competitive defense
• Potential to mentor younger cornerbacks

Cons:

• Salary cap could be an issue
• Needs for additional positions on offense could impact defensive investments

4. Los Angeles Chargers: A Rising Contender with Defensive Needs

The Los Angeles Chargers have one of the most exciting offenses in the league, led by Justin Herbert, but their defense has been inconsistent, particularly in the secondary. Despite the emergence of Asante Samuel Jr. and other young talent, the Chargers have lacked the consistency and leadership necessary to compete with the best teams in the AFC.

By signing Gilmore, the Chargers could instantly bolster their secondary with a savvy veteran who can lock down the opposing team’s top wide receivers. With the talent on offense and the defensive improvements under head coach Brandon Staley, the Chargers could be a Super Bowl contender if they shore up their defense. Gilmore’s presence would allow the team to be more aggressive on defense and match up better against high-powered passing offenses like those of the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals.

Pros:

• High Super Bowl potential with a strong roster
• Immediate starting role in a competitive AFC West
• Opportunity to compete for championships with Herbert

Cons:

• The defense is a work in progress, and improving other areas (like the pass rush) might take priority

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Adding Depth to an Already Elite Defense

The Kansas City Chiefs have been the model of sustained success over the past few seasons, with their offense led by Patrick Mahomes being among the most potent in the league. The defense, while strong, has faced moments of inconsistency. Adding a veteran like Gilmore could bolster their already formidable secondary, providing an extra layer of coverage against top-tier AFC offenses.

Gilmore’s experience and savvy would be especially valuable in the postseason, where the Chiefs often face the toughest competition. Adding him to a secondary featuring the likes of L’Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie would give the Chiefs one of the most experienced and dangerous defensive backfields in the league.