Building the Defensive Future: Baltimore Ravens' Cornerback Conundrum and Pursuit of Stephon Gilmore

The Baltimore Ravens are strategically planning for the future by leveraging free agency and have intentions to continue their strategic approach through the NFL Draft in April. One area of concern that General Manager Eric DeCosta will need to address is the cornerback position, particularly after facing challenges in replacing Marcus Peters following his departure to Las Vegas last season.

Recent departures, such as Ronald Darby to Jacksonville, coupled with the availability of Rock-Ya Sin and Daryl Worley in the free agency market, highlight the need for a strong cornerback opposite Marlon Humphrey. While there’s a possibility of either or both of the latter returning, the question remains whether there’s a better option available.

Stephon Gilmore, a former player for the Dallas Cowboys, presents himself as a potential upgrade for Baltimore’s defensive secondary. Despite his recent transitions across teams, Gilmore’s early career success has remained consistent. His journey has taken him through Buffalo, New England (where he secured two Super Bowl victories), Carolina, Indianapolis, and Dallas.

Throughout his NFL tenure since 2012, Gilmore has amassed an impressive 29 interceptions. During his recent tenure with the Cowboys, he showcased his skills by playing in all 17 games, often being tasked with marking the opposition’s top wide receivers after Trevon Diggs sustained a season-ending injury in Week 2.

Gilmore’s contributions last season included two interceptions, 13 passes defended, one interception returned for a touchdown, and one forced fumble. Additionally, he recorded 68 total tackles, with 54 being solo efforts. Although Spotrac projects Gilmore to command a one-year, $11.1 million contract in free agency, the Ravens might need to explore creative financial maneuvers to afford him. Nevertheless, with other notable names like Xavien Howard potentially demanding even higher salaries in free agency after his anticipated release from the Dolphins, Gilmore emerges as an enticing option for Baltimore’s defensive lineup.