When it came to free agency, veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore made a lot of sense for the Detroit Lions. That idea took a natural hit with the acquisition of Carlton Davis and the signing of Amik Robertson. Then the idea came back again when the warrant for Cameron Sutton’s arrest came to full light, and the Lions released him.
Meanwhile, Gilmore remains available with very little real buzz around any interest in him. He said he’s open to going back to the New England Patriots, and more recently a report suggested he wants to go back to the Carolina Panthers after high school and college teammate Jadeveon Clowney landed there
Gilmore will turn 34 early in the 2024 season. He’s still very capable, and it’s reasonable to presume he wants the best shot to win another Super Bowl as soon as possible. That won’t happen next season, at least in New England and Carolina. But today, on April 1, it’s difficult to determine the full scope of his alternatives. However, there are several clubs that appear to be good fits.
Perhaps none more than the Lions.
The speculation over Stephon Gilmore joining the Lions is building.
Brad Spielbeger of Pro Football Focus just updated his ranking of the best landing locations for the top available free agents, and the Lions remained the top choice for Gilmore.
On March 30, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report ranked the Lions as the second best match for Gilmore among three probable teams on a list of available free agents who might still contribute. After mentioning the Panthers, Ballentine struck at the heart of the issue for someone like Gilmore.
‘There are teams with a better chance of winning that have cap money and a need at cornerback. The Detroit Lions have money and are coming off an NFC championship season.”
Ballentine also considered the Lions as a potential landing spot for former Dolphins CB Xavien Howard.
On March 28, Pro Football Network’s Dallas Robinson identified the Lions as the greatest fit for Gilmore.
“Head coach Dan Campbell stated this week that Detroit might sign another cornerback before the draft, and Stephon Gilmore is the top defensive back on the market. After being traded from the Indianapolis Colts to the Cowboys in 2023, the 34-year-old proved he was still a CB1, participating in all 17 games and playing largely single coverage.
These types of lists are what they are, in terms of reporting and rumors with significant teeth being spread. However, the Gilmore-to-Detroit bandwagon is increasing, and the longer he is available, the more cost-effective it becomes for the Lions.
