Cornerback has been one of the positions most talked about for the Las Vegas Raiders, although not always for the right reasons.
Currently, the Raiders’ top trio of cornerbacks consists of Eric Stokes, Darien Porter and Jakorian Bennett. That is not necessarily bad, but Stokes is a free agent reclamation project, Porter is a raw long-term project as a third-round rookie and Bennett does not fit the physical archetype new head coach Pete Carroll tends to desire in his defensive backs. Given the talent level of NFL quarterbacks, especially in their own division, the Raiders are gambling heavily that the moves they made are enough.
Should they decide to go for another veteran addition, however, one player’s willingness to play this season should be all the convincing they need.
A stalwart free agent cornerback is just what the doctor ordered for the Raiders.
On an episode of “The Money Down Podcast,” longtime NFL cornerback and current free agent Stephon Gilmore expressed that he wants to play in the NFL this year.
“I wanna play this year. It’s just gotta be the right situation,” Gilmore said. “I’m not just going to sign anywhere, it gotta be the right situation. I still love the game. I still can contribute. It just gotta be the right place.”
While the Raiders are not necessarily going to be a championship contender, Gilmore would be hard-pressed to find a better situation to walk into than the one in Las Vegas.
The Raiders have already pursued options to bolster the cornerback room this offseason, but targets such as Jaire Alexander, Jalen Ramsey and Shaquill Griffin have all gone elsewhere. That leaves Gilmore a free path towards playing time, as well as giving him an opportunity to mentor some of his younger teammates. Coming off a strong 2024 with the Minnesota Vikings, where he recorded an interception, nine passes defended and 56 tackles in 15 games played, Gilmore is a solid veteran who would stabilize the Raiders secondary.
If Gilmore considers the Raiders as a good fit for him, the green light should be given to get a deal done.
