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.