OK, Jacksonville, it's time to step up. If the Jaguars can reach the NFL's elite tier, they must be sure all bases are covered. And that includes one perfect move to fill out the roster before the 2024 training camp begins.
It's simple. It's concise. And it's a low-risk solution to a problem that could cause the eventual downfall of this season.
The Jaguars need to sign free-agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore has indeed seen better days. He joined the league in 2012 and has been a major problem for passing attacks every year. From 2016-21, Gilmore had the following accolades: AP defensive player of the year, two-time first-team All-Pro, and five-time Pro Bowl selection.
The gravy hasn't been as rich for the 6-foot, 190-pounder over the last two seasons. But he still grades out as one of the league's top at his position.
So what's the problem? Simple. He needs to change his birth date. Yeah, that's not going to happen. At 33 years old and another birthday coming in September, Gilmore is a gray beard in a young man's sport. According to the33rdteam.com, there are only four active cornerbacks on NFL rosters who are 31 or older (Darius Slay, Troy Hill, Antonio Hamilton, and Darius Williams).
Still, there's something to be said for a veteran's presence who can still cover.
Why would the Jaguars pursue CB Stephon Gilmore?
It's not a have-to situation. The Jaguars signed Ronald Darby for $10 million, so they've made a splash in the free-agent cornerback waters.
But they need more, and they have room to operate. According to jagswire.com, Jacksonville has ample salary cap space available, standing at $30,866,651 for third-most in the league. That's a whole chunk-change of elbow room.
And despite the fact the Jaguars picked two cornerbacks in the draft — third-rounder Jarrian Jones and Deantre Prince in the fifth — there's no comfort zone. But, and here's the beauty, adding Gilmore would allow the young guys time to develop. And they would have an incredible mentor, a player who knows every wide receiver trick in the book.
There are other free agents still on the board. Adoree' Jackson and Xavien Howard are prominent ones. It wouldn't hurt to add either of them. Patrick Peterson would be a respectable choice as well.
However, look at things this way. The Jaguars spent important draft capital on the position. If they believe Jones and Prince will make a contribution sooner as opposed to later, it makes far more sense to sign Gilmore. It's not that Gilmore would be a stop gap. It's more the view of him being a one-year solution to a problem that only needs a one-year solution.
What are potential problems with signing Gilmore?
It's fair to say Gilmore is in decline. What 34-year-old NFL player — outside of the quarterback position perhaps – isn't on his final professional legs?
Gilmore's yards-allowed-per-target has grown from 5.5 to 6.9 over the last five years. It's clear his better days are behind him. He can be exposed more frequently. According to Pro Football Reference, his passer rating when targeted last season was 82.7, a career-high mark.
But the critical point in this: Those numbers aren't poor by NFL standards. They line up with what a starting cornerback typically produces. Still, they don't reflect the Gilmore of yesteryear. And the big question the Jaguars must answer before signing is: When will the big dropoff occur? And what if it happens in the middle of the season when there's no help coming to the rescue?
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