The Detroit Lions are looking for help at cornerback this offseason, and one source thinks they could target a former Defensive Player of the Year who is nearing the end of his career.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Lions are a top potential landing location for free agent Stephon Gilmore, who is returning to the open market after one season with the Dallas Cowboys. The Lions have three cornerbacks entering free agency — Jerry Jacobs, Kindle Vildor, and Khalil Dorsey — and are expected to make some upgrades to a corps that has struggled at times.
Lions Advised to Target ‘High-Level’ Cornerback
As PFF noted, Gilmore would be a strong fit for Detroit’s scheme and would add a high-level player to a secondary that struggled at times last season. According to the publication, the Kansas City Chiefs could also be interested in signing the 33-year-old.
“Here, we highlight two teams that like to play press-man coverage, made their respective conference championship game, and could use the help at cornerback (especially if L’Jarius Sneed is traded),” noted PFF in a news release. “These are simple fits for Gilmore, who is still playing at a high level.”
Gilmore is coming off a season in which he had 68 tackles, two interceptions, and 13 passes defensed.
Other experts believe Detroit is a terrific fit for Gilmore. According to Jared Ramsey of the Detroit Free Press, he would make an excellent addition to the secondary and would certainly enjoy the opportunity to play with his brother, Lions cornerback Steven Gilmore.
Lions Bring Back Veteran Corner on Team-Friendly Deal
Deal
While the Lions could still pursue Gilmore, they have already addressed secondary needs by re-signing veteran Emmanuel Moseley. He signed with the Lions last summer, but missed the start of the season while recovering from a ruptured ACL, and then suffered another season-ending injury in his first game back, tearing the ACL in his opposite leg.
According to SI.com’s Christian Booher, the Lions were able to re-sign Moseley on a favorable terms. Moseley signed a one-year, $6 million contract last offseason and returned on another one-year deal worth $2.875 million with $1 million in guaranteed money.
