The 33-year-old cornerback Stephon Gilmore is a veteran that the Green Bay Packers could potentially give another chance to sign. The organization has been unusually active in free agency.
There are still a couple free agency alternatives that Cem Yolbulan of Dairyland Express provided that the Packers could consider. Notably, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and offensive tackle Donovan Smith were also Super Bowl champions by coincidence.
Gilmore was the most prominent free agent Yolbulan brought up, pointing out that a short-term arrangement may be advantageous to both sides.
“A one-year veteran signing would do wonders for this team on the opposite side of Alexander,” Yolbulan wrote. “And Stephon Gilmore might be the best option available right now.”
The Packers Nearly Traded For Stephon Gilmore
Gilmore may seem like a surprising free agent target for some Packers fans, but it wasn’t that long ago that general manager Brian Gutekunst tried to take a swing on the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year.
After rumors of him being released by the New England Patriots in 2021, Gilmore expressed that he wanted to play for the Packers. Unfortunately, due to salary cap constraints, the Packers were unable to get a deal done, resulting in the Carolina Panthers trading a sixth-round pick for the star cornerback.
Gilmore has bounced around the league since that trade. He played just one season with the Panthers before signing on with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, only to be traded to the Dallas Cowboys a year later.
Now, Gilmore is a free agent once again, but has yet to find a team despite free agency being open for nearly a month. His resume includes a Super Bowl ring, two first-team All-Pro selections, five Pro Bowl appearances, and Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2019 after leading the league with six interceptions and 20 pass breakups.
Gilmore is probably over his prime as a football player at 33 years old. At cornerback, he could still be a seasoned leader in a locker room full of young players and rookies (apart from Jaire Alexander).
