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As MassLive.com's Nick O'Malley wrote on June 14, All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore is taking his time in signing with an NFL team for the 2024 season. During Tom Brady's induction to the Patriots Hall of Fame, he shared, "Being patient right now. I feel good. Year 13, been playing a long time. So, I'm just being patient and waiting for the right opportunity."
The five-time Pro Bowler does have the right to feel good after a solid 2023 season with the Dallas Cowboys. In 17 regular-season games, he finished with a career-high 68 tackles, 13 passes defensed, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.
While Gilmore is still a free agent late into the 2024 offseason, he has done more than enough to prove that he's still got game. But as he approaches his 13th NFL season, which team's uniform could he be wearing?
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New England Patriots
Gilmore didn't rule out the possibility of a reunion with the six-time Super Bowl champions. He played four seasons with the Patriots after wrapping up his rookie-scale contract and fifth-year option with the Buffalo Bills.
The former South Carolina standout played his best football with the Patriots, earning two first-team All-Pro selections and three Pro Bowl nods. In his second season in New England, Gilmore had 45 tackles, 20 passes defensed, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a sack. His seven tackles, five pass deflections, and two interceptions during the 2018 NFL playoffs helped the Patriots win Super Bowl LIII.
Stephon Gilmore must not be forgotten 🚫 pic.twitter.com/yCpLydLa7j
— Boston Cream 🍩 (@itsbostoncream) June 16, 2024
The following season, he was the league's Defensive Player of the Year after leading the league in pass deflections (20) and interceptions (six). Gilmore also shared in O'Malley's article, "You never know. I'll weigh any options. This is a place that I played great ball, so just letting it play out how it's gonna be."
Signing him for 2024 will give Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, and Shaun Wade an excellent mentor who leads by example.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pro Football Focus' Gordon McGuinness suggested in his May 1 article that the Steelers are a good fit for Gilmore. McGuinness wrote, "The Steelers played Cover 1 on 25.8% of passing downs last season, with the Cowboys one of just five teams to do so at a higher rate, and still have a need at cornerback."
Even after adding Cam Sutton, the Steelers could use a veteran presence in their defensive secondary. Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, and Josiah Scott will learn much from one of the best players at cornerback.
Steelers DID NOT draft a corner. So here’s something to watch. Current FA Stephon Gilmore. Former DPOY. Could be a 1 year bandaid at the position. pic.twitter.com/ZucXhnZGLP
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) April 27, 2024
Besides, the Steelers have $15.8 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap. That's more than enough to sign Gilmore, who has an estimated $8.9 million market value, per Spotrac.
Detroit Lions
Despite reaching the NFC Championship Game for the first time since the 1991 NFL season, the Lions have much room for improvement on pass defense. They ranked 27th in passing yards allowed per game (247.4) last season, prompting them to address that weakness during the 2024 offseason.
In addition to trading for Carlton Davis III, the Lions used their first two draft picks on cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Both rookie defensive backs have the talent to become difference-makers for the Lions.
But having someone like Gilmore who can help them learn the ropes by showing how it's done will expedite their improvement. He can help them perform under pressure, especially during the playoffs.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs should be his preferred destination if Gilmore desperately seeks a second Super Bowl title. The two-time defending Super Bowl champions have increased their odds of winning an unprecedented third straight Vince Lombardi Trophy after adding Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy to their wide-receiver unit.
However, the Chiefs do have a need at cornerback after L'Jarius Sneed signed with the Tennessee Titans. With 2023 first-team All-Pro defensive back Trent McDuffie covering one-half of the field, the Chiefs could upgrade from Jaylen Watson and Nazeeh Johnson.
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