The Baltimore Ravens just added veteran safety Eddie Jackson a few days ago. However, with a few key losses this offseason on defense and some unproven cornerback depth, there is no reason they shouldn’t go after another defensive back.
The Super Bowl contending team is more than familiar with injuries to their secondary, as that was still the case last year. A proven cornerback like Stephon Gilmore would fit right in with the pieces they have and could start in a pinch.
He is also the top cornerback on the market, as the only other player that could be a valuable contributor when healthy is the former Giant Adoree’ Jackson. Gilmore is still a better option, despite his best years with the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots being way behind him.
Baltimore Ravens Could Target Stephon Gilmore
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The Baltimore Ravens usually covet players like Stephon Gilmore, a highly decorated cornerback who underwhelmed last season with the Dallas Cowboys. His peak season is way behind him, but he is a former defensive player of the year back in 2019 and was the co-leader in interceptions with six.
In 2023, the two-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler had two interceptions and started 17 games opposite DaRon Bland (with Trevon Diggs out with injury). The 33-year-old has been a journeyman as of late while dealing with countless injuries over the past 12 seasons in his career.
Last season, the Ravens had veteran Ronald Darby sub in while star Marlon Humphrey was out due to injury, but he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason. Unless they go with the rookie Nate Wiggins right off the bat this year, they could use an experienced player sometime before or during the season.
Many Teams Should Covet Two-Time All-Pro
Despite somewhat of a fall from grace over the past three years, the Baltimore Ravens should still prioritize potentially adding someone. Gilmore could still be a decent third cornerback in a group, as he was somewhat for the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers before joining Dallas in 2023.
The Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams could make a move due to Mekhi Blackmon’s and Derion Kendrick’s recent injuries. Super Bowl-contending teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or Detroit Lions could garner some interest for the veteran, along with the Ravens.
A reunion with either the Cowboys or Panthers is also possible at a cheaper price, as their cornerback rooms could use depth. Diggs will be coming off a season-ending injury in Dallas, and Carolina could use a running mate to play opposite fellow South Carolina Gamecock Jaycee Horn.
Veteran Potentially Missing Piece For Defense
His mentorship could be valuable, especially with young but unproven players in Baltimore. While first-round rookie Wiggins will eventually be a starter, Brandon Stephens is up for a potential extension, and rookie T.J. Tampa was put on the PUP list after getting offseason surgery.
This potential move would make a secondary with Kyle Hamilton, Marcus Williams, and now Jackson at safety the best core starting group in the NFL. Players like Ar’Darius Washington, Damarion Williams, and Jalyn Armour-Davis haven’t exactly shown their worth on the roster quite yet.
Veteran Arthur Maulet is a great role player, but a short-term stopgap type free agent could go a long way. Originally, someone like Xavien Howard could be an option, but he has had multiple off-the-field and injury issues within the past year, so the risk would not be worth it compared to acquiring Gilmore.
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