The NFL Preseason starts at the end of this month, but top free agent Stephon Gilmore still wants to play for a team this upcoming 2025 campaign. According to a report, since there hasn’t been a retirement post yet, which means the cornerback could be looking to play his possible last season with one more team. The Minnesota Vikings probably won’t bring him back, but it doesn’t mean he won’t get interest from other teams, as reportedly, the Dallas Cowboys are still keeping an eye on him. Typically, NFL teams wait right before the 2025 regular season begins to see which veteran is still available on the market, and after the trade of Jalen Ramsey, it wouldn’t be surprising if Gilmore ends up being the next cornerback to find a home soon.
Originally selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the former South Carolina product has been a journeyman for the majority of his career, but has found a ton of success running it back during the Tom Brady Era with the New England Patriots. Gilmore led the league in interceptions and won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in one season during the 2019 regular season. The cornerback might not be the same player anymore, but he was enough to help the Dallas Cowboys’ secondary unit in 2023, mentoring DaRon Bland to a league-changing rookie campaign. Minnesota had its best secondary in a long time last year, so it’s not like Gilmore isn’t capable, and it could be enough to intrigue these four teams.
Top NFL Free Agent Stephon Gilmore Aims to Play in 2025? – 4 Possible Destinations
Potential Landing Spots
Kansas City Chiefs
It wouldn’t hurt for the Kansas City Chiefs to improve the secondary room after losing Justin Reid this offseason. Even though Trent McDuffie filled the shoes of the absence in L’Jarius Sneed when he left last year, they could use the depth to turn this room into a high-caliber unit. Despite signing Kristian Fulton to salvage the pass secondary, they can’t lean on him too much as he has a strong history of injuries, so Gilmore could be a reliable option if Fulton suffers an injury.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the cornerback unit for the Los Angeles Chargers will look completely different. Even though signing Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste could make up for the loss of Kristian Fulton, they can never be too sure on 2024 draft pick Cam Hart having full-time duties. Perhaps, Gilmore could be an excellent locker room leader for the Chargers, especially for Harbaugh, who wants to build an old-school philosophy.
Carolina Panthers
Despite re-signing Jaycee Horn and Michael Jackson this offseason, the Carolina Panthers could use any depth in their secondary unit, as they had one of the worst seasons when it came to man-to-man coverage. Gilmore has been here before, so it wouldn’t be hard for him to re-adjust in Carolina. The Panthers aren’t contenders, but someone like Gilmore could turn the defense from potentially good to great in minutes with his impact on the field.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are in dire need of a cornerback this offseason. After losing Paulson Adebo and Marshon Lattimore in one year, the Saints’ pass secondary doesn’t look like a team that wants to win, similar to the offense. Between Alontae Taylor and Kool-Aid McKinstry, the Saints are better off with Gilmore to put these two upcoming potential talents in a better place.
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