NFL teams have been looking over their roster as they prepare for the preseason activities but there are some veteran NFL players ready to jump at the bit. One person who remains unsigned is two-time All-Pro and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
In a text with Senior NFL Insider Josina Anderson, Gilmore discussed how he views his future.
“I’m stll focused on playing, but it has to be the right opportunity. I feel like it’s the age thing with some of these teams. If I was 28, I would already have been signed by now; at the same time, I know the value I still bring. If you watch the tape, I fell like I played well the last two years, and literally almost played every snap last year. So I’m staying patient, while watching my son who’s a wide receiver and cornerback lock people up on the field with his defensive back skills too.”
The former Defensive Player of the Year is 33 years old and will be 34 in the early portion of the season. Gilmore played in all 17 games as he finished with 13 pass deflections and a pair of interceptions. He has played for the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys over the course of his career.
What teams could use the former Defensive Player of the Year?
There are definitely teams that need to improve and adding a veteran cornerback, who is a former Defensive Player of the Year, could be a significant addition to a roster. At his age, it is likely that this would be a one-year deal. One team that makes a lot of sense would be a former team of his: the Buffalo Bills.
The Bills have a need to improve the cornerback room and they did not do so in the 2024 NFL draft while addressing all their other needs. Depending on what he considers to be “the right opportunity”, the Arizona Cardinals could be a good option if he wants to be on the field as a starter. Gilmore did not show any signs of regression last season and those are just two teams that make the most sense for his skills.
