Packers Urged to Sign Former Defensive Player of the Year to Solidify Secondary

The Green Bay Packers seemed destined for a rebuild after they moved on from Aaron Rodgers in 2023, but they have made quick work, thanks in large part to the development of Jordan Love as their new franchise quarterback. After flaming out of the playoffs in the wild card round last year, though, the Packers’ front office has been hard at work finding a way to build up the team around Love in an effort to get back to the Super Bowl.

With training camp right around the corner, Green Bay has done the lion’s share of their offseason work already. However, there are still holes that could be filled, with one of them being the cornerback position after Jaire Alexander got released. With that in mind, the team has been encouraged to sign former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore, who is still seeking a new home in free agency.

Stephon Gilmore Emerges as Free Agent Target for Packers

The No. 10 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Gilmore has put together a long, successful career as one of the premier cornerbacks in the league. After initially starring with the Buffalo Bills, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2016, Gilmore signed with the New England Patriots, where he quickly turned himself into arguably the best defensive back in the league.

After a rough debut campaign in 2017, Gilmore turned it around and immediately earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro First Team honors in 2018. He one-upped that in 2019 by putting together one of the greatest individual seasons by a cornerback in NFL history, racking up 53 tackles, six interceptions (two of which he returned for touchdowns), and 20 passes batted. As a result, Gilmore was crowned Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts.

Gilmore has spent time with the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, and Minnesota Vikings since departing from the Patriots, and while he’s not the same player he once was, he’s still an effective corner who can hold his own on the outside. With Alexander gone, the Packers could use some help at cornerback, leading Matthew Schmidt of Yardbarker to suggest Gilmore as a potential free agent target.

“Gilmore may not be the same superstar who won the Defensive Player of the Year award back in 2019, but he still managed a productive campaign with the Minnesota Vikings last season, registering 56 tackles, an interception and nine passes defended,” Schmidt wrote.

“For the second straight year, the 34-year-old remains available deep into the offseason, with the veteran probably waiting for the perfect opportunity. It’s hard to envision a better fit than the Packers right now.”

Should the Packers Sign Stephon Gilmore?

GettyFormer Minnesota Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore.

With Alexander gone, Nate Hobbs is leading the cornerback room, with Carrington Valentine and Keisean Nixon also set to earn a decent chunk of snaps. The problem is that, aside from Hobbs, the cornerback room as currently constructed isn’t all that reliable, which is why the addition of a tested veteran like Gilmore could make so much sense.

For now, nothing seems imminent in this department, but Gilmore’s fit with the Packers would make a lot of sense. As training camp draws near, he will likely make a decision on his playing future, and if the price is right, Green Bay could benefit from swinging a deal that would bring him to town for the 2025 campaign.