Why The Packers Should Sign Cornerback Stephon Gilmore

As the NFL offseason rolls on and teams gear up for the upcoming season, the Green Bay Packers find themselves facing a pressing question: should they bolster their cornerback corps with a veteran presence?

The suggestion has been made by Gregg Rosenthal of the Around the NFL Podcast, who singled out free agent Stephon Gilmore as a potential solution. And upon closer examination, it’s a proposition that warrants serious consideration.

The Packers have undeniably talented cornerbacks in Eric Stokes and Jaire Alexander. However, their ability to stay healthy has been a cause for concern.

Stokes has seen limited action over the past two seasons, while Alexander has battled injuries that sidelined him for significant stretches in both 2021 and 2023. This leaves the Packers thin on the outside, placing undue pressure on Carrington Valentine, a seventh-round pick from just a year ago.

Enter Stephon Gilmore, a proven veteran with a decorated resume.

Despite his veteran status, Gilmore has shown he still has plenty left in the tank, as evidenced by his 2023 season with the Dallas Cowboys. In that campaign, he tallied an impressive 68 total tackles, a forced fumble, two interceptions, and 13 defended passes. Such production speaks volumes about his ability to contribute at a high level on the field.

Bringing Gilmore aboard would provide the Packers with much-needed depth and experience at the cornerback position.

A five-time Pro Bowler, Gilmore would offer a steady hand and veteran leadership to a secondary in need of stability. His presence would not only alleviate the pressure on Stokes and Alexander but also provide insurance against potential injuries.

Moreover, Gilmore’s addition would align perfectly with the Packers’ ambitions of competing at the highest level in the NFC.

In a conference where every advantage counts, strengthening the cornerback depth chart could prove to be a shrewd move. A top four consisting of Alexander, Stokes, Gilmore, and Valentine would ensure that the Packers boast both talent and depth at the cornerback position, giving them a formidable defensive unit to contend with.

Additionally, signing Gilmore would afford rookie Kalen King the luxury of time to develop without being thrust into a starting role before he’s fully ready. This strategic approach would allow King to acclimate to the NFL game at his own pace, ensuring his long-term success while providing immediate support to the Packers’ defense.

In conclusion, the case for the Green Bay Packers to sign Stephon Gilmore is compelling. With concerns surrounding the health and depth of their cornerback group, Gilmore represents a proven solution. His track record of success, coupled with his recent impressive performance, makes him an ideal candidate to bolster the Packers’ secondary.

By adding Gilmore to the mix, the Packers would not only fortify their defense for the upcoming season but also position themselves as legitimate contenders in the fiercely competitive NFC landscape.