Former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore isn't done with the game quite yet.
A free agent ahead of what would be his 14th NFL season, Gilmore is still hopeful he'll find a place to lace up the cleats once again.
"I want to play this year, it's just got to be the right situation," he said on The Money Down podcast. "It's got to be the right situation for me. I'm not just gonna sign anywhere. … I still love the game. I still can contribute. It's just got to be the right place."
Gilmore is a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro, though his last trip to the Pro Bowl came in 2021 and most recent recognition as an All-Pro cornerback came in 2019, the same season as his DPOY honor.
His coverage ability took a dip in his age-34 season with the Vikings, and his 60.4 PFF grade in that category marked his third-worst of his career. However, he remains largely durable, and last year contributed an interception, nine passes defensed and 56 tackles to Minnesota's fifth-ranked scoring defense.
Regardless of any steps lost, Gilmore could be an asset on the right team, a veteran leader with 173 starts under his belt, still capable delivering a game-changing play.
Looking for his next challenge, his next perfect fit, is also nothing new to Gilmore. After beginning his career playing five seasons on the Bills and four on the Patriots, Gilmore has become somewhat of a mercenary. He hasn't stayed in the same spot since his final year with New England in 2020.
From 2021-24, he's suited up for the Panthers, Colts, Cowboys and Vikings.
What would be the right situation for an aging great, who is set to turn 35 in September?
Perhaps it's a return to a former team, a squad threatening for a Super Bowl or one that experiences an injury in training camp. Gilmore still played the large majority of his 2024 snaps out wide at corner (772), but he also came up in the box on 109 plays, and his 77.6 PFF run coverage grade ranked 22nd among cornerbacks. Could there be a team hoping to see what he can do at safety or in a more hybrid role -- if he'd be interested in such a thing?
Questions remain at this stage.
If the answers make sense for both Gilmore and a willing club in the future, he'll line up for a 14th season ready to make quarterbacks pay.
