The Detroit Lions have initiated another blockbuster move to sign another record-breaking deal as Campbell tends to solidify his team walls.
Last season, the Detroit Lions made it to the NFC Championship Game—possibly early—but a defeat to the San Francisco 49ers revealed a serious vulnerability in the secondary.
The back end of Detroit’s defense may use a boost, whether it comes from the forthcoming 2024 NFL Draft, the third wave of NFL free agency, or both. The Lions have an excellent pass-rusher in Aidan Hutchinson.
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Cornerback Stephon Gilmore, the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and two-time First-Team All-Pro, is one player who could improve the defensive backfield of the Detroit Lions.
Stephon Gilmore, Detroit Lions
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore of the Dallas Cowboys (Required Credit: Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports)
Urged to Sign Stephon Gilmore by the Detroit Lions
The secondary market appears to have leveled off as free agency enters its second wave, which would make it possible for the Lions to sign a top playmaker like Gilmore for a relatively inexpensive price.
According to Bleacher Report, Gilmore’s dream free agency destination would be the Lions.
Brad Gagnon of B/R comments, “Gilmore makes a ton of sense for the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions in particular.” They both have the win-now window, the need, and the cap room. We’ll ride with Gilmore to the Motor City, though, as the Lions have a little less experience in the secondary.
Alongside DaRon Bland, who established a record for the most interceptions returned for touchdowns in a single season, Gilmore finished the previous season with a career-high 68 total tackles and two interceptions, completing a stellar cornerback tandem.
According to Pro Football Focus, when throwing in his way, Gilmore reduced opposing quarterbacks to a pitiful 83.3 passing rating.
Is Gilmore a Signing Bonus for the Lions?
From a cap perspective, the Lions are in the best position of any team in the league to add a marquee player like Gilmore.
The Lions still have over $25.2 million in discretionary money, even after adding a few big players in free agency.
By adding Gilmore, the Lions could finish the experienced overhaul of the cornerback room that started when they signed Carlton Davis earlier in the offseason. Gilmore would also give the Lions a strong counterpunch to the elite receiving corps in San Francisco, Philadelphia, and now the Chicago Bears, who could prevent them from winning a Super Bowl.
