The 2022 NFL free agency period is off and running at a furious pace. As players continue to sign during free agency, predictions for free agent CB Stephon Gilmore continue to be discussed. Which NFL teams need additional defensive back help and could benefit the most from acquiring Gilmore in free agency?
Predictions for Stephon Gilmore in 2022 NFL free agency
After playing the final season of his five-year, $65 million contract signed back in 2017, Gilmore remains a free agent. Having spent last season with the Carolina Panthers, the 31-year-old cornerback is likely looking for one final multi-year deal before hanging up the cleats on a productive career.
Unfortunately for Gilmore, his stock was hurt by injuries that hampered his 2021 season. Gilmore began the season on the PUP list as he recovered from a quad tear from the prior year. He played eight games as a rotational corner and allowed a 68% completion rate when targeted (15-of-22) with 2 interceptions and 16 tackles. With an estimated contract value of $28.2 million over two seasons, where do predictions suggest Gilmore could sign during free agency?
Arizona Cardinals
While the Cardinals would need to clear a touch more salary cap space, Gilmore would help to address their need for a perimeter CB. With that said, they have several veteran contracts the team could restructure to make room. Byron Murphy is back as the slot corner, but they need a lockdown corner, especially given the receiving talent in the NFC West.
Marco Wilson struggled as a rookie, and while progress is expected, it would be better to have someone like Gilmore who can help teach him the ropes. The Cardinals were the last undefeated team in the NFL in 2021, so we know this is a talented team with pieces in place to compete. Gilmore would be a nice fit on a short-term deal.
Cincinnati Bengals
Coming off a Super Bowl appearance, the Cincinnati Bengals are an attractive team for potential free agents for the first time in a long time. Due to the youth on their roster, they also have the salary cap space required to make a push for Gilmore in free agency.
Adding Gilmore would be a massive upgrade over Eli Apple, whom I think is still being exposed by receivers as I write this. This would be a win-win for both sides as Gilmore likely wants to sign with a contender.
Kansas City Chiefs
A change is taking place in the AFC West. For the first time in several years, the Chiefs might not be the favorites anymore. Between Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, Justin Herbert, and Derek Carr, the AFC West also has the best group of QBs in the NFL. That means defenses need to be prioritized to keep ultra-competitive games close. That remains a question for the Chiefs.
Free agent CB Charvarius Ward signed a three-year deal with the 49ers, and Mike Hughes remains unsigned. Also, Tyrann Mathieu is unlikely to return, as the Chiefs signed former Texan S Justin Reid. This offseason, the Chiefs must add veteran options; otherwise, they risk having their pass defense be a liability in 2022.
L’Jarius Sneed has been a success in his short time in the NFL. Adding Gilmore alongside him would be a substantial move by the Chiefs. It might take Gilmore signing for a slightly lower price given the Chiefs’ salary cap space, but going to a team like Kansas City would be worth it.
Carolina Panthers
I would not completely rule out a return to the Panthers. Given that Gilmore only played a half-season with the club, Carolina’s front office may want to give it another shot.
Although Tom Brady’s return did complicate things in the NFC South, the race for No. 2 in the division is wide open. That could change if the Panthers can make a trade for Deshaun Watson in the coming days or weeks. With that said, if Gilmore wants to go to a contender for one final shot at a title, Carolina might not be the best fit.