Stephon Gilmore signs deal with Colts
With the announcement that Stephon Gilmore has signed a two year $23 million deal, the Indianapolis Colts continue to add to their defensive acquisitions.
The Indianapolis Colts have reeled in another big fish in signing five-time Pro-Bowl corner back Stephon Gilmore to a two year $23 million contract with $14 million guaranteed.
CB Stephon Gilmore signing with the Colts on a two-year, $23M deal. (via @rapsheet + @tompelissero) pic.twitter.com/RTmZltgsam
— NFL (@NFL) April 15, 2022
The former AP Defensive Player of the year was traded from the New England Patriots to the Carolina Panthers last off-season due to a knee injury. He played the second half of the season in Carolina but was vocal in his criticism of the way the Patriots handled his rehab.
He managed in half a season of play to finish 2021 with 16 tackles, two interceptions and two pass breakups in only eight games played.
Only 4 cornerbacks have been named NFL Defensive Player of the Year over the last 40 seasons
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) April 15, 2022
1993: Rod Woodson*
1994: Deion Sanders*
2009: Charles Woodson*
2019: Stephon Gilmore
*Hall of Famer pic.twitter.com/llwoZIAtsA
At 31 years of age, he finds himself on the wrong side of the aging curve, but even a Gilmore in 75% or 80% of his former self will be an effective addition to the Colts coverage.
Gilmore is the latest big move for the Colts who are looking to upgrade their roster in the off-season. The offense swapped Carson Wentz for Matt Ryan and brought in edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue, linebacker Brandon King, and have rebuilt their secondary with new signings. While Gilmore takes one corner, they have brought in Brandon Facyson on the other, with Rodney McLeod and Armani Watts as the two safeties.
This is why Irsay sent a Jet for Stephon Gilmore. #Colts
— Colts Topic (@ColtsTopic) April 13, 2022
📈📈📈 pic.twitter.com/a5E3prjTIh
On paper, this should be one of the strongest defensive units in the NFL, promising a return to big things in Indianapolis.