The Raiders have done a good job of filling several spots on the team in the last eight days. NFL In the first eight days of free agency, the team has made improvements, but there is still a need to upgrade the defensive backfield, particularly in cornerback depth. Stephon Gilmore, a five-time Pro Bowl veteran, could be a great short-term solution for the Raiders' defensive backfield.Gilmore, a free agent from the Cowboys, is a great nickel back. Cowboys.
Nate Hobbs played well after being cut by the Patriots and signing with his old college coach, Antonio Pierce. Jack Jones Jones, who was acquired during the season, has had an inconsistent career and should not be relied upon as a starter.
Jakorian Bennett, the team's fourth-round draft pick from last year, struggled and received poor grades as per Pro Football Focus's system. Enter Gilmore, who has become somewhat of a hired hand late in his career.He is 33 and has played for four different teams in the last four years, but he is still a top-notch cornerback and could be a short-term solution for the Raiders in 2024. ranked 124th out of 127 Raiders' Davante Adams Once Recruited Him
According to CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin, Gilmore is a great fit in Las Vegas.
In an article titled, “2024 NFL free agent matchmaker: Ryan Tannehill to Broncos, Odell Beckham Jr. to Jets, other big-name fits,” Gilmore to the Raiders was prominent on the list.
Wrote Benjamin
: “The former All-Pro cover man could still be in play for a Dallas Cowboys encore, but Antonio Pierce has a bigger need at the position in Las Vegas, where the defensively minded Raiders can also offer more money.Working at the back end of a unit with Christian Wilkins also has its draws.” Maxx Crosby and Gilmore played all 17 games for Dallas last year, but he struggled in the playoffs with a shoulder injury that required surgery. Nevertheless, he is expected to be ready for 2024 and has a championship background, having helped the Patriots win the Super Bowl in 2018.
It also doesn't hurt that Gilmore has a supporter in star Raiders receiver Davante Adams.
Back when Gilmore left the Patriots in 2020, Adams wasted no time trying to recruit him to the Packers. Gilmore might be available at a low cost, as the market stands currently.
He is coming off a contract in which he earned $20 million over two years.
His market value for a one-year deal is $11.4 million. Given his age, this seems reasonable. However, due to the current state of the market, he may end up having to accept a discounted deal with a playoff contender.
The Raiders will likely use a high draft pick on a cornerback, but Gilmore would be an ideal temporary solution.
Pro Football Focus predicts a one-year, $10 million deal for Gilmore. The site summarized his free-agent qualifications:“Gilmore has continued to excel in single coverage, showing his skill in contending with physical receivers and demonstrating strong play recognition.”
The Raiders still don't have enough cornerbacks, but experienced player Stephon Gilmore could strengthen the position temporarily.
