Raiders Pegged a ‘Big-Name Fit’ for Ex-Cowboys 5-Time Pro Bowler
The Raiders have done well to address several spots on the roster in the past eight days—yes, NFL free agency is only eight days old—but if there is a place that still needs an upgrade, it is in the defensive backfield, where cornerback depth is lacking.
But CBS Sports has what could be an ideal fit for a short-term solution to the problem: five-time Pro Bowl veteran Stephon Gilmore, a free agent from the Cowboys.
Nate Hobbs is an excellent nickel back. In-season acquisition Jack Jones played well after he’d been cut by the Patriots and signed on to play for his old college coach, Antonio Pierce, but Jones has had an erratic career and shouldn’t be relied upon to be a starter.
Last year’s fourth-round draft pick, Jakorian Bennett, struggled badly and ranked 124th out of 127 corners according to Pro Football Focus’s grading system.
Gilmore appears. He became something of a hireling here late in his career. He is 33 years old and has played for four different teams in the past four years.
But he’s still a top-tier cornerback and could be a short-term solution for a Raiders team looking to compete in 2024.
Davante Adams of the Raiders once scouted him. Gilmore is a perfect fit for Las Vegas, at least from the perspective of CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin.
In an article titled “2024 NFL Free Agent Matchmaker: Ryan Tannehill to Broncos, Odell Beckham Jr. to Jets, and other big names apply,” Gilmore topped the list with the Raiders.
Benjamin writes: “The former All-Pro cover man could still play in an encore against the Dallas Cowboys, but Antonio Pierce has a bigger need at the position in Las Vegas, and the defensive-minded
Raiders also have more money.” “Working with Max Crosby and Christian Wilkins on the back end of the unit also has appeal.”
Gilmore played in all 17 games for Dallas last year, but suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery in the playoffs. Still, he is expected to be ready by 2024.
He has a championship pedigree and helped the Patriots win the Super Bowl at the end of the 2018 season. It also helps that Gilmore has a fan in Raiders star receiver Davante Adams.
When Gilmore left the Patriots in 2020, Adams immediately scouted him to the Packers. Gilmore posted his farewell to the Patriots on Instagram, and in the comment, Adams wrote, “Call me.”
Stephon Gilmore ‘still thrives on personal reporting’ Given the state of the market, Gilmore could be available cheap. He will earn $20 million over two years and will move on from his first contract with the Colts in 2022.
According to Spotrac, his market value is $11.4 million on his one-year contract. Considering his age, that makes sense.
However, given the state of the market, they may have to sign a playoff contender to a discount deal. The Raiders will almost certainly take a high pick on a cornerback in the next draft, and Gilmore would be an ideal placeholder.
Pro Football Focus projects Gilmore to sign a one-year, $10 million contract. The website summarizes his free agent eligibility.
“Gilmore’s trade from the Indianapolis Colts to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason marked his return to competitive football, and he hasn’t stopped moving at any point in recent years.”
Gilmore still thrives in one-on-one coverage, able to compete with more physical receivers who play through contact, and can time his jumps well with contested catches and jump routes with elite play recognition. ”
