Former New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore is still looking for a team to play for this fall.
However, he isn’t ready to hit the panic button just yet. There is still plenty of time for his phone to ring before the start of the season. There’s also the fact that he doesn’t believe there are 64 starting corners in the NFL better than he is right now.
“Honestly, I’m still being patient and staying ready until teams see what they have in training camp; but you mean to tell me among 32 teams that there are 64 starting corners that are better than me? I don’t think that.” Gilmore told NFL insider Josina Anderson. “If teams want to win, I think they should sign the best players. I know I’m still a starter in this league. I started games last year, but the season doesn’t start until September, we got a while.”
Free agent CB Stephon Gilmore with the latest on his status to me on the phone:
"There are still some good corners and safeties out there like Justin Simmons and myself that are still not signed. Honestly, I’m still being patient and staying ready until teams see what they have… pic.twitter.com/JeVCrlLICv
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 16, 2024
Gilmore most recently played for the Dallas Cowboys in 2023. He recorded 68 tackles, 13 pass deflections and a forced fumble in a one-and-done season with the team.
The former Defensive Player of the Year has had three quick stops with the Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers since his four-year run with the Patriots.
His best years came in New England, where he won a defensive MVP and a Super Bowl. The veteran defensive back seemed open to a possible return to the Patriots when asked about it at the Tom Brady Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
The Patriots could use cornerback depth on the field, and a player like Gilmore being in the locker room could be a positive for the younger defensive backs, including 2023 first-round draft pick Christian Gonzalez.
New England was plagued with depth issues at the position last season, and things got tough for the team late in the year.
Gilmore might be on the back end of his career at age 33, but it could still be worth it for the Patriots to take a flyer on him as a possible low-risk, high-reward option.