Cornerback Stephon Gilmore might just be the best player left on the free agent market, and the two-time All-Pro won’t settle for a deal that doesn’t reflect his value on the football field. At the peak of his powers, the former first-round pick was the best cornerback in the game, helping the Patriots win the Super Bowl in 2018 before winning Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2019. While he has slowed down a bit since those days, he remains an effective starter. Playing on a strong Cowboys defense, Gilmore finished the season with a 71.2 PFF grade, the 35th-best mark out of 127 eligible players.
The 2024 NFL season is right around the corner, and Gilmore knows he’s still good enough to start. Speaking to Josina Anderson, the free agent said he’s “being patient” while keeping his confidence, pointing out that he’s “still a starter in the league.” Stephon Gilmore appears open to signing with anyone as a free agent, but the Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers make the most sense.
Panthers, Ravens Could Sign Free Agent Stephon Gilmore
The Carolina Panthers came close to signing Stephon Gilmore as a free agent. Prior to the 2024 NFL Draft, Carolina tried to bring in Gilmore but couldn’t agree to terms. As of this posting, the two sides appear to be in a stalemate, as Carolina won’t raise their offer and Gilmore won’t take less than what he believes he deserves. One side will have to blink eventually, as this is a fantastic combination of player and team.
The Panthers revamped their offense throughout the offseason to make life easier for 2023 first-overall pick Bryce Young. Despite the additions of Robert Hunt, Diontae Johnson, and first-round pick Xavier Legette, Carolina will still have to win games with defense in 2024. Jadeveon Clowney is a fine replacement for Brian Burns, but the Panthers could use a free agent like Stephon Gilmore to hold down the secondary. Gilmore and the oft-injured Jaycee Horn have the potential to be one of the league’s better cornerback duos, which might be enough to win some games in 2024.
The Missing Piece?
Even with Gilmore, the Carolina Panthers will not win the Super Bowl in 2024. The Baltimore Ravens, however, should be in contention. The team made it to the AFC Championship Game last year and, despite some key free agent losses, should remain one of the NFL’s elite teams heading into the upcoming season. Stephon Gilmore is easily the best free agent cornerback left on the market and he could be the difference between another playoff exit and a Lombardi Trophy.
Marlon Humphrey is still a reliable veteran and first-round pick Nate Wiggins can be the position’s future. However, you can’t have too many reliable defensive backs, especially when you share a division with the Cincinnati Bengals and a conference with the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Houston Texans. Stephon Gilmore is the perfect plug-and-play free agent who can solidify his side of the field and make life that much harder for opposing quarterbacks.
Main Photo: Tim Heitman – USA Today Sports
