Latest news with #StephonGilmore
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Veteran CB Gilmore remains ideal Cowboys contingency
The Dallas Cowboys might appear done adding to the cornerback room, but we say don't let the quiet fool you. There's still one name that should be hovering just below the surface — and it's one Cowboys fans know well. Stephon Gilmore. Advertisement The same Gilmore who started 17 games last season. The same Gilmore who represented himself at Tyron Smith's retirement press conference with a sense of dignity, maturity, and composure that speaks volumes about how he's viewed within the building. The same Gilmore who, as our Mike Fisher was first to report, showed up at The Star a little while back, just to casually visit. He hasn't signed anywhere else. And there's a reason why: he fits in Dallas. Still. At this point, he's not part of the plan. But it seems clear he's still the contingency. If Shavon Revel Jr. isn't ready by August... If Trevon Diggs' ACL recovery doesn't stay on track... If rookie Caelen Carson needs more time to develop… Advertisement We say Stephon Gilmore's phone will ring. And why wouldn't it? He's a reliable communicator. He'll bring championship level experience. He could likely be had for $5 million or less. (Maybe way less.) And on top of all that, he's not coming in to be CB1 — he's coming in to stabilize everything behind it if the Cowboys find themselves needing to. But even beyond the field, Gilmore's presence could serve a deeper purpose. Every young room needs that trusted mentor — the seasoned, steady voice who can guide through tough moments, missed assignments, and early doubt. A big-brother-like figure who's seen the highs and lows, and still shows up the same way every day. Advertisement The Cowboys have high hopes for their youth at corner. But youth needs guidance. And in the right situation, Stephon Gilmore can still be the anchor behind the scenes — whether he's CB3, or simply the voice that helps CB2 become CB1. This story may be dormant — but it should not be dead. And if the contingency becomes reality, the Cowboys should be trusted to know exactly where to turn and who to sign. Related: Cowboys New Starting CB Speaks Out On Unprecedented 'Energy' Related: Cowboys 1st-Round Pick Needs Just One Thing Veteran CB Gilmore remains ideal Cowboys contingency first appeared on Athlon Sports on May 22, 2025
USA Today
01-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Vikings get first look at veteran CB returning from torn ACL in OTAs
Vikings get first look at veteran CB returning from torn ACL in OTAs The Vikings' cornerback group was one of the underrated aspects of the team in 2024, playing a pivotal role in the defense's monumental impact on the season. The unit had many veterans step up as they had to plug-and-play many players they signed late in camp, such as Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin. That was partly due to the unit needing a veteran pressence to counter the unit's youth, but also to help with injuries. One of those injuries came from Mekhi Blackmon, who missed the entire 2024 season. The Athletic's Alec Lewis shared his thoughts on the Vikings' cornerback this week, as a video of the cornerback being back on the field at Vikings OTAs was shared. His return will give a nice boost to the Vikings' cornerback room, as they once again are looking to overhaul the position group ahead of a new season. They brought back Byron Murphy Jr., who is coming off a Pro Bowl season. Meanwhile, they also signed Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah, who are gambles that could thrive under Brian Flores. Getting someone like Mekhi Blackmon back will help with their signings as it will allow for Flores to lean on a familiar face while mixing them into the fold.
USA Today
12-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
PFF sees one glaring need for the Vikings going into training camp
Most of the NFL rosters are built for the 2025 season, barring some exceptions. Some teams, like the Steelers and Saints, may make some last-minute changes at quarterback. Other teams may add veterans after training camp as they look to avoid the hottest days of the year being in pads and helmets, losing so much weight in sweat, hearing the same messages they have heard for years. Despite all that, PFF has picked one need for each team heading into those tough training camp days. In the case of the Vikings, they tabbed cornerback as an issue for the team. They write, "The Vikings will be replacing more than 1,000 coverage snaps following the departures of Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin. They'll now have to lean on Isaiah Rodgers, who earned a 70.5 PFF coverage grade with the Eagles last season, and Mekhi Blackmon, who is coming off a torn ACL." The Vikings made a move late into training camp for Stephon Gilmore, could they make a similar move this year again? Time will tell.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Could Bengals Sign Final Piece of Defense?
Much of the Cincinnati Bengals' defensive attention has been spent on the front seven. They brought back defensive tackle B.J. Hill and signed T.J. Slaton Jr. Cincinnati also signed linebacker Oren Burks, and in the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, edge rusher Shemar Stewart and linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. added to that pursuit. The secondary behind one of the league's worst defenses, though, hasn't seen much improvement at all. Advertisement That doesn't mean it is too late to make a move. Late in free agency, a handful of viable candidates remain available, including veterans with rather impressive resumes to their name. The Bengals were encouraged to sign two-time All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore by Jeffri Chadia. 'Cincinnati needs as much depth and experience as it can find in its secondary after fielding one of the league's worst pass defenses last season,' Chadiha wrote. Even though he turns 35 in September, Gilmore could help with that cause. 'For one, he's still proven to be a competent man-coverage cornerback, which is a skill set the Bengals will covet with new defensive coordinator Al Golden replacing Lou Anarumo (Golden relied heavily on man coverage as Notre Dame's defensive coordinator last season). Cincinnati also is hoping that Daxton Hill can rebound from a torn ACL that limited him to just five games in 2024. Gilmore can provide depth in case Hill is slow to return to form.' Advertisement The biggest culprit for Cincinnati's problems was in the trenches, particularly stopping the run. The cornerback room is still questionable, headlined by Cam Taylor-Britt with less consistent play from DJ Turner II and Josh Newton on the boundary. Another perimeter corner could be of use, especially one with big-game experience. Gilmore's accomplishments might land him in the Hall of Fame one day. One final showing would certainly help. 'Gilmore also has done everything a cornerback can do in this league -- a list that includes winning a Super Bowl in New England and being named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 -- so his leadership would be invaluable for a team with so many young players at that position,' he continued. 'Finally, Gilmore would be cheap. He played on a one-year deal valued at $10 million in Minnesota last season. For a team that just gave huge extensions to wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins -- and continues to not be on the same page with star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson -- a bargain like this at cornerback would be ideal.' Advertisement Gilmore is relatively stable in coverage, even in his mid-30s, and a limited role might help mitigate concerns with an athletic decline. His consistency against the run certainly helps, too. The Bengals won't be expected to make any significant moves, at least not until the Hendrickson extension is figured out. Given the price tag and the limited market, Gilmore is a reasonable target this late in the offseason. Related: Bengals Trade Trey Hendrickson Rumored with Coach Connection Related: Bengals Signing Jadeveon Would Help Hendrickson Worry
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Bengals want Stephon Gilmore but is experience enough to fix a broken defense?
Stephon Gilmore offers stability but not a long-term fix for Bengals (Image via: Getty Images) The Cincinnati Bengals had the talent to make noise in 2024 but their defense had other plans. A once-promising season was wrecked by one of the league's worst secondaries. Week after week, opposing quarterbacks picked them apart, and fans watched another playoff chance slip away. Now, the Bengals may be turning to 34-year-old Stephon Gilmore to fix the problem but is that really the answer? Stephon Gilmore might be coming to Cincinnati but can he really fix that defense? MAJOR Cowboys Rumors: Nick Chubb, Stephon Gilmore & Breece Hall Trade Interest? + Trade Targets The Bengals' secondary in 2024 was a mess. Operation Sindoor Pak drones enter Indian airspace, explosions heard just hours after truce deal Sirens, explosions in border districts after Pak breaks deal: What we know so far 'What happened to ceasefire?' J&K CM after explosions heard across Srinagar Cam Taylor-Britt struggled. Dax Hill flashed potential but had no help. And with little depth behind them, the defense collapsed when it mattered most. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sleek Intel Laptops Perfect for College Life Smart Picks by Lenovo Learn More Undo That's why NFL free agency rumors linking Stephon Gilmore to the Bengals are grabbing attention. Once one of the NFL's elite corners, Gilmore started 15 games for the Vikings last season. He logged one interception and nine passes defended not bad, but far from the All-Pro level he once played at. Gilmore's experience could bring value to a young and struggling defense. Under new coordinator Al Golden, the Bengals will crave leadership and discipline—two things Gilmore offers in spades. He could also serve as a mentor to Hill, Taylor-Britt, and rookie Josh Newton, helping them develop faster. Gilmore brings stability but is that enough? But here's the flip side: at 34, Gilmore isn't the player he used to be. His speed has declined, and his ability to lock down top receivers isn't what it was. Signing him may look smart on paper, especially if he comes at a bargain price, Spotrac estimates around $5.3 million but it could also be a sign that the Bengals are plugging leaks instead of rebuilding right. That's a risky strategy for a team still chasing its first Super Bowl title. Also Read: Is baby no. 5 on the way for Russell Wilson and Ciara? Fans speculate after steamy TikTok dance If the Bengals are serious about contending again, they need more than a short-term fix. They need a long-term plan built around young, dynamic defenders who can grow with the team. Gilmore might help steady the ship, but he won't change the course. Bringing in a veteran like Gilmore isn't a bold move, it's a safe one. And sometimes, playing it safe is the most dangerous decision of all.
