The Seattle Seahawks still have a few pressing needs that could be addressed through free agency, including cornerback. Outside of Riq Woolen, the team doesn't have a starting-caliber boundary cornerback on the roster, as Devon Witherspoon mainly handles slot duties.
General manager John Schneider could wait till April's draft to address the need, but ESPN's Bill Barnwell lists Seattle as a potential landing spot for Minnesota Vikings free agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
"Gilmore is the rare cornerback capable of playing man-to-man at a high level into his 30s. Between the Patriots, Cowboys and Vikings, he has played in some of the league's most aggressive defenses. And while he occasionally gets beaten, the now 34-year-old has held his own," Barnwell wrote.
"The Vikings only signed Gilmore last offseason after they seemed to realize they didn't have enough at cornerback. He was more than worth their $7 million investment. I wouldn't be surprised if the same scenario happened this year, where a team that looks thin at cornerback and doesn't love what it sees from some of its young guys in camp goes after Gilmore as a plug-and-play solution over the summer," Barnwell added.
Gilmore was serviceable for the Vikings in 2024, as the veteran started 15 games and snagged an interception with nine passes defended and 18 defensive stops. The 34-year-old also allowed a 99.4 passer rating when targeted and posted a 60.4 coverage grade.
Though Gilmore is no longer a high-level starting cornerback and has played on three different teams in the last three years, the five-time Pro Bowler would be a solid addition to the Seahawks' defense. Gilmore would immediately step in as a starter in the secondary and provide adequate play as the boundary corner opposite Woolen. Additionally, his veteran leadership and championship experience will be valuable for a Seattle squad that lost a few respected leaders this offseason, including wide receiver Tyler Lockett and quarterback Geno Smith.
Due to his age, Gilmore should also be cheap to sign in free agency. Spotrac projects the two-time All-Pro will land a one-year deal worth $5.3 million, while Pro Football Focus believes a $6 million contract over one season is also possible. The Seahawks still have a good amount of money left to spend, so one of the team's next moves should be to sign Gilmore and upgrade their defense ahead of the draft.
