Two-time All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore remains unsigned as training camps begin across the NFL. The 34-year-old veteran spent one season with the Minnesota Vikings, turning in a solid but unspectacular performance that proved he still has something left to contribute to a contender.
With training camps about to start, teams will get a clearer picture of their needs. Gilmore will very likely find a new home before the 2024-25 season kicks off.
Why Are the Dolphins and Raiders Top Landing Spots for Stephon Gilmore?
Gilmore will turn 35 during the 2025-26 season, but he’s recorded multiple interceptions in three of the last four campaigns. That production caught the attention of USA Today’s Nick Brinkerhoff, who identified the Miami Dolphins and Las Vegas Raiders as the most logical destinations.
“Seeking his sixth team in as many seasons, Gilmore is no longer the All-Pro, Defensive Player of the Year-level cornerback at this stage of his career,” he wrote. “However, he has been a serviceable option for teams in recent years, offering a veteran presence that is more than capable of producing.
“He’s already won a Super Bowl and has over $116 million in career earnings, per Spotrac, meaning Gilmore can approach his free agent decision in a variety of ways. He can chase money or another ring, potentially even both, depending on the destination.”
While neither Miami nor Las Vegas projects as a Super Bowl contender, both teams have glaring needs in their secondary that Gilmore could address immediately.
Steven Gilmore, the younger brother of #Cowboys All-Pro CB Stephon Gilmore, gets an INT for the #Lions pic.twitter.com/ikhbRv0Ppj
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 19, 2023
How Do Miami and Las Vegas Stack Up as Options?
Miami’s cornerback situation became desperate after the Dolphins traded Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers several weeks ago. The team hasn’t made a significant move to fill that void since then.
The Dolphins did draft a cornerback in the fifth round and signed Artie Burns as their most notable free agent addition, but neither player can match Ramsey’s production. Gilmore can’t replicate that level either, but he represents the best option Miami can realistically put on the field with their current roster construction.
With head coach Mike McDaniel facing pressure this season, Miami needs to move quickly to address this glaring weakness.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas completely overhauled its secondary during the offseason. Only Jakorian Bennett returns from last year’s starting group, leaving the Raiders with significant questions in the defensive backfield.
The Raiders are counting on third-round rookie Darien Porter and former Green Bay Packer Eric Stokes to fill key roles. However, none of Las Vegas’ cornerbacks have appeared in more than 45 NFL games, creating a clear need for veteran leadership.
Gilmore may no longer perform at an All-Pro level, but he can provide steady starter-level play while mentoring the younger players as they develop. During 15 games in the 2024-25 season, Gilmore recorded 40 solo tackles, one interception, and nine pass deflections.
