In preparing to write this piece, I sat down and put together a list of NFL organizations that could use the services of a 31-year old cornerback with elite man coverage skills, the ability to play in a number of different coverage schemes, and who was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year just a few seasons ago.
I came up with a list of *double-checks notes* 32 NFL teams.
With the news that the New England Patriots are going to release cornerback Stephon Gilmore, there should be no shortage of suitors on the open market when the move becomes official. After a lengthy impasse over a new contract the organization decided to move on from Gilmore, who is coming off a torn quad muscle that sidelined him for the back half of last season and the start to the 2021 campaign. Reportedly, Gilmore wants a big-dollar contract, which could limit the number of teams that can afford to sign him.
Furthermore, there is speculation that the Patriots, by putting this story out into the world, are trying to create a trade market for his services:
I'm told Gilmore is disappointed something couldn't be accomplished to allow him to stay. He has enjoyed his time in NE. Also don't rule out the possibility of a trade before 4 o'clock. In getting this news out early, that remains a possibility. #Patriots
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) October 6, 2021
Something that was just suggested to me that by one rival front office: Getting news of the Stephon Gilmore release out there now, well before it becomes official at 4pm, a team could still swoop in and make a trade. Time to do that if a club wants to make sure it gets him.
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) October 6, 2021
New England did try to move Gilmore last season prior to the trade deadline, however, a deal could not be reached. By generating a market for the player now, the Patriots could bait a team into paying a little more via a trade to ensure they acquire Gilmore.
Now, what teams might be interested? Honestly, I could just list the 31 other teams in alphabetical order and be done with this article, but I tried to narrow it as best as I could.