Stephon Gilmore trade could give the Ravens the NFL’s best secondary

The Baltimore Ravens already boast one of the most talented secondaries in the NFL, but just imagine what that unit could look like with the addition of a player like Stephon Gilmore.

Gilmore’s name has come up in trade circles in recent weeks, and with the trade deadline approaching in just a few days, the Ravens are a team that could absolutely benefit from his services.

That sentiment was shared by Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated who recently listed a Gilmore/Ravens trade as one of the moves he’d like to see happen within the new few days.

The Ravens already have one of the best cornerback duos in the NFL in Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters, but the addition of Gilmore could establish the group as the best secondary in football.

"“Gilmore, at age 32, is having one of his best seasons in years. The heady cornerback star, once the best in the NFL at his position, is still trustworthy on top wide receiver talent and has experience in myriad defenses. The Ravens, who have one of the worst dropback success rates in the NFL, could see this as a typical move under GM Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh, to add a high-character vet who would pay immediate dividends.”"

Stephon Gilmore would complete a stacked Ravens secondary

Despite their overwhelming talent, the Ravens actually rank second-worst in the NFL in passing yards allowed, trailing the Atlanta Falcons by only 12 yards. The unit has underperformed this season.

Part of that is due to the loss of Marcus Williams. Part of it is due to Peters returning from a major injury. Part of it is due to lackluster nickel cornerback production. Part of it is even due to subpar coverage from the linebacker position.

Still, adding an experienced veteran like Gilmore would go a long way toward solidifying a unit that should be one of the team’s strengths.

Even at 32 years old, Gilmore has proved this season that he still has plenty left in the tank. The former All-Pro has a Pro Football Focus grade of 71.7 that ranks 26th among qualified cornerbacks.

He’s still a really good player, and his veteran experience would do wonders for a Ravens secondary that has had its fair share of coverage gaffes and miscues.

Gilmore’s contract shouldn’t be a major obstacle either with the five-time Pro Bowler carrying a cap hit of just $7.75 million this season. The Ravens could get out of his $11.98 million cap hit next season with just $2 million in dead cap.

The Ravens have arguably bigger needs at wide receiver, running back, and even linebacker, but this feels like the savvy type of pickup Eric DeCosta would make.