The Baltimore Ravens are still on the hunt, as their recent signing of Josh Jones shows they are aware of their main areas of need and are trying to plug those holes with impactful veterans. The Ravens could end up big-game hunting once again and targeting Stephon Gilmore if they want a standout cornerback next to expensive veteran Marlon Humphrey.
Humphrey and Brandon Stephens are a solid cornerback duo, but adding Gilmore into the mix could give the Ravens one of the deepest secondaries in the entire league. The longtime pro will have his pick of possible contenders, but some believe that joining the Ravens might be the best spot for him in his career.
Bill Barnwell of ESPN believes that Gilmore's best fit in free agency will be leaving Dallas and joining the Ravens. Baltimore may need to add one more corner alongside Humphrey and Stephens, who was going to be converted to safety at one point, in time for their title push.
While Gilmore isn't going to be the Defensive Player of the Year he was during his time with the Patriots, his resurgence in Dallas showed that there are still only a handful of corners in the league with better man coverage skills. The ageless wonder could be a part of something special in Baltimore.
Stephon Gilmore is top free agent available after Mike Williams signs with Jets, per @greggrosenthalhttps://t.co/viBtzYfOqb pic.twitter.com/hf128cDpWu
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 20, 2024
ESPN believes Stephon Gilmore should sign with Baltimore Ravens
Gilmore, who graded out well in coverage, would be joining his fifth team in five seasons, as the Patriots' decision to part with him led to quick stops with his hometown Panthers, Colts, and Cowboys. Starting all 17 games after Trevon Diggs' injury, Gilmore and Da'Ron Bland formed one of the best cornerback tandems in the league.
The age question is a fair complaint for Gilmore skeptics to raise, as recent examples like Patrick Peterson and James Bradberry can show that cornerbacks are very susceptible to Father Time sucking the talent right out of them in a very short amount of time. Gilmore has defied time so far, which could alleviate Baltimore's concerns.
Gilmore, Humphrey, and Kyle Hamilton present enough star power to give a Ravens defense that has seen their defensive line depth eaten into during this free agency blitz the extra pop they need to compete in an AFC that is packed to the gills with established and emerging star quarterbacks.
If Gilmore ends up regressing, the Ravens can take solace in the fact their current depth is satisfactory enough to withstand a downward turn.