NFC rival Philadelphia Eagles may sign $11 million free agent and former Dallas Cowboy cornerback, Stephon Gilmore this offseason. According to a report, the Eagles have a chance to “stick it” to the NFC East rival, the Cowboys by signing the former Defensive Player of the Year. It’s surprising that Gilmore after nearly five weeks since the opening of free agency is still unsigned. He’s one of the best available cornerbacks in this year’s free agency alongside former Dolphins Xavien Howard.
The L’Jarius Sneed trade to the Titans has made the market value dip below for other cornerbacks in the league. However, there’s a chance that Gilmore could receive a decent contract from a team this offseason, including a rumor floating that the 49ers will sign him. Gilmore is a wear-and-tear cornerback after entering at 33 and has 12 years under his belt in the league. Few cornerbacks in the league have a stellar resume like he has, including five Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl ring.
Gilmore subsequently had shoulder surgery but he should be ready for his 2024 season campaign wherever he signs. Despite that, he’s proven that he could be a shutdown corner and it shows filling in the shoes of injured Trevon Diggs. It allowed DaRon Bland to have an “out of nowhere” type of season with the Cowboys. However, Dallas doesn’t have plans to bring Gilmore back but he wants to come back.
During that one year, he only allowed a passer rating of 82.7 when balls were thrown his way, the highest of his career. So he’s still a dependable corner that could still go if healthy. The Cowboys only allowed an 84.3 passer rating, ninth-best in the NFL while Gilmore was there.
NFC Rival Philadelphia Eagles May Sign $11 Million Free Agent Stephon Gilmore
He Could Stick It to His Former Team
According to a report, it’s a benefit for the Eagles to sign Gilmore to show what the Cowboys could miss. This should reignite their hated rivalry further after the Commanders are already grabbing most of the former Dallas key players. Since Dan Quinn left, he has been snatching players from the Cowboys like Dante Fowler Jr., Dorance Armstrong and Tyler Biadasz. The Eagles have the chance to do the same with Gilmore.
The cornerback position was a weak spot for Philadelphia last year after Darius Slay battled injuries and James Bradberry showed signs of regression. Adding Gilmore would help the position to mentor the athletes and relieve the workload. It wouldn’t make the group any younger, it allows them to have one more option at the position. If both continue to struggle, Gilmore could step in as a potential starter.
However, he should at a point in his career to be ring-chasing despite already being a Super Bowl champion with the Patriots. Gilmore should be an excellent addition for either the Eagles or 49ers this season if the interest is there. There are other possible landing spots, including the AFC that need a cornerback.
Other Possible Landing Spots for Gilmore
The Kansas City Chiefs should be one destination that Gilmore could be interested in. The release of Sneed shows that they need to fill the cornerback position and Gilmore could. However, the Ravens could continue to stack on their complete defense by bringing the veteran to team up with Marlon Humphrey. The Panthers are another destination if Gilmore wants to reignite their reunion after leaving the team in 2021.
The list goes on with the New Orleans Saints, adding him with Tyrann Mathieu would bolster the secondary. The Marcus Maye injury last season should show they may need some veteran insurance.
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