The Detroit Lions made some moves to bolster their cornerback situation this offseason, trading for Carlton Davis and signing Amik Robertson.
However, the Lions could still use some help in their secondary, which is why Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus seems them as the best possible fit for Stephon Gilmore.
Gilmore spent the 2023 campaign with the Dallas Cowboys and played in every game, registering 68 tackles, a couple of interceptions, a forced fumble and 13 passes defended.
Was he the same All-Pro cornerback he was from his New England Patriots days? No, but he was still solid, and that’s all Detroit really needs.
Gilmore, who played his collegiate football at the University of South Carolina, was originally selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 10th overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft.
The 33-year-old spent the first five years of his career with the Bills but didn’t really start to get recognition until his final season with the club, when he made his first Pro Bowl after recording 48 tackles, five picks and 12 passes defended.
Gilmore then went on to join the Patriots, where he would spend the next four years. During that time, the star defensive back made three trips to the Pro Bowl while also earning a First-Team All-Pro selection. Most importantly, he helped lead New England to a Super Bowl title in February 2019.
Since his stint with the Pats, Gilmore has bounced around. He linked up with the Carolina Panthers for one season in 2020 before signing with the Indianapolis Colts that ensuing spring. The Colts proceeded to trade him to the Cowboys last offseason.
The Lions ranked just 27th in passing defense in 2023, so they need all the help they can get in their defensive backfield.
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