PFF says Steelers are best free agent landing spot for a former NFL defensive player of the year
Pro Football Focus thinks the Pittsburgh Steelers are the best landing spot for a veteran free agent who is a former NFL defensive player of the year. PFF likes the idea of the Steelers signing free agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore, a former South Carolina Gamecocks standout, was the NFL defensive player of the year […]
Pro Football Focus thinks the Pittsburgh Steelers are the best landing spot for a veteran free agent who is a former NFL defensive player of the year.
PFF likes the idea of the Steelers signing free agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
Gilmore, a former South Carolina Gamecocks standout, was the NFL defensive player of the year in 2019.
From PFF: Gilmore will turn 34 at the start of the 2024 season but has performed well in three one-year stints with different teams since 2022. He earned a 69.3 PFF coverage grade in 2023, allowing 734 yards and five touchdowns from 622 snaps in coverage while totaling 11 combined interceptions and pass breakups.
The Steelers played Cover 1 on 25.8% of passing downs last season, with the Cowboys one of just five teams to do so at a higher rate, and still have a need at cornerback.
Gilmore is clearly nearing the end of his NFL career. But he's still a productive player. And he would be a great scheme fit for the Steelers.
Perhaps most importantly, Gilmore wouldn't be overly expensive (A to Z Sports has Gilmore's projected to receive a one-year contract worth $8.5 million).
Adding a reliable veteran who has Super Bowl experience is never a bad idea. Gilmore isn't a player that's going to put the Steelers over the top in the AFC North, but he would certainly help improve Pittsburgh's secondary.
Steelers GM doesn’t rule out return of controversial former starter
After leaving the NFL Draft with something to be desired in the defensive backfield, the Pittsburgh Steelers could use some depth. Late in the teambuilding process, the Steelers don't have a lot of options to choose from. That leaves the door open for a potential reunion, and one that GM Omar Khan has confirmed that […]
