According to people familiar with the matter, the Colts are signing cornerback Stephon Gilmore to a two-year contract, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport on Friday. According to Pelissero, the deal is for roughly $23 million, according to a source.
Gilmore paid a visit to Indianapolis on Wednesday. The former AP Defensive Player of the Year is the latest high-profile acquisition that owner Jim Irsay has hinted at for a team that sees itself as a Super Bowl contender behind new quarterback Matt Ryan.
When healthy, Gilmore is a five-time Pro Bowler and a reliable cover guy. Gilmore earned a big-money contract in New England in 2017 after five seasons in Buffalo, where he was the cornerstone of Bill Belichick’s secondary.
Injuries to his quadriceps and a contract issue forced him to leave the Patriots in 2021. In early October, he was moved to Carolina, where he appeared in eight games.
Since his DPOY season in 2019, Gilmore’s coverage numbers have dwindled. He had a 49.0 completion %, one touchdown, six interceptions, and a 47.4 passer rating last season. Gilmore has a 65.6 completion percentage, four touchdowns, three interceptions, and a 91.2 passer rating in 2020-2021.
While the 31-year-old has lost a step, he still represents a huge improvement for the Colts. Gilmore can match up with premier outside receivers while playing with talented slot corner Kenny Moore.
In 2021, the Colts allowed 32 throw touchdowns (tied for second in the NFL) and 234.1 pass yards per play (tied for 19th in the NFL). It is hoped that a revitalized Gilmore will be able to assist in plugging the leak.
It’s the Colts’ latest move to improve a team that missed the playoffs last season. The majority of general manager Chris Ballard’s work has been on the defensive side of the ball, even though the offense has switched Carson Wentz for Ryan.
He signed cornerback Brandon Facyson, safeties Rodney McLeod and Armani Watts, and linebacker Brandon King in exchange for dynamic edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue.
He has just added a former DPOY to his team.
The Colts’ defense appears to be stacked on paper, with DeForest Buckner, Darius Leonard, Ngakoue, Bobby Okereke, second-year edge rushers Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo, safety Julian Blackmon returning from injury, and now Gilmore.
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Irsay guaranteed that substantial changes would happen after the 2021 season. The splash moves have finally arrived in Indianapolis after a few months.
