DEAL AGREED: Lions Agreed a Blockbuster Deal to Sign Former Cowboys Defensive Player of The Year to Replace Released Starter Cameron Sutton

The Detroit Lions need a new cornerback. After releasing Cameron Sutton for an alleged domestic violence, this squad could use another body in the secondary. While numerous well-known players have found new homes, former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore remains a free agent.

Gilmore, who was originally taken by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, was always a solid cornerback but didn’t fulfill his full potential until joining the New England Patriots. The cornerback played an important part in the late dynasty years, receiving First-Team All-Pro accolades twice and Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. While the free agent isn’t as good as he once was, Stephon Gilmore remains a consistent performer.

According to Pro Football Focus, the defensive back finished the season with the 35th-best grade among 127 eligible players. While Stephon Gilmore had the advantage of playing on a good Dallas Cowboys defense, he can still be a reliable option for a team needing to replace a departing starter.

Stephon Gilmore Could Be An Ideal Free Agent Fit For Many Teams.
Even without his legal issues, Stephon Gilmore would be a better free agent option than Cameron Sutton. The former third-round pick struggled in his first season with the Lions, ending with a 52.3 PFF grade and allowing a 113.9 passer rating when targeted.

The Detroit Lions are in the midst of their Super Bowl window and must enhance their defense if they are to win the Lombardi Trophy. While they have added Carlton Davis and Amik Robertson to the secondary, Stephon Gilmore, a free agent, might help complete out the depth chart. In today’s pass-happy NFL, there can never be too many good cornerbacks, and the former Defensive Player of the Year will help Detroit win a difficult NFC North.

Of course, the Detroit Lions will not be the only team looking to sign Stephon Gilmore as a free agency. Given that he is the finest defensive back available on the open market, multiple teams should want to add him to their roster, and these five make the most sense.

Possible Team Fits: Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to trade L’Jarius Sneed. If they finally find a partner, the team will need to recruit a free agent, such as Stephon Gilmore, to fill his position. While Sneed is superior than today’s Gilmore, the former Defensive Player of the Year should be able to compete with Trent McDuffie. Gilmore, who is now on the wrong side of 30, should spend his prime years pursuing championships with one of football’s best teams.

Tennessee Titans
he The Tennessee Titans are among the primary suitors for L’Jarius Sneed. If they can’t acquire him, they might as well turn to Stephon Gilmore, a free agent. The Titans won’t win the Super Bowl next year, but they will be more competitive. With Gilmore helping to bolster the defense, this squad might compete for a Wild Card position if Will Levis improves in his second year.

Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills secondary will look drastically different in 2024. With Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, and Tre’Davious White off the roster, Buffalo must rebuild quickly if they hope to make a deep postseason run with Josh Allen. While Stephon Gilmore has never played under current head coach Sean McDermott, he started his career with the Bills and might be a nice free agent signing. Tre’Davious White effectively replaced Gilmore in 2017, and Gilmore can now succeed White in 2024.