Top landing spots for former All-Pro CB Stephon Gilmore

Several big-name free agents are still available on the open market, but none may be bigger than cornerback Stephon Gilmore, the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Gilmore is coming off yet another productive season in 2023 when he posted 68 tackles, one forced fumble, two interceptions and 13 passes defensed with the Cowboys.

With plenty of good football left in him, here are the top three landing spots for the 33-year-old.

New England Patriots

Some of Gilmore's best seasons of his 12-year NFL career came when he played for the Patriots from 2017-20, and he may decide to end his career with them. According to Pro Football Network's Dakota Randall, Gilmore is open to a reunion with New England. 

The Patriots are currently not a contending team, which may deter Gilmore from joining them. If not, they would likely welcome a reunion with him as he could lend his knowledge to promising cornerback Christian Gonzalez, New England's 2023 first-round pick.

Dallas Cowboys

A return to Dallas has not been written off either for Gilmore, who expressed his interest in returning to the team at the Super Bowl.

"I want to come back," Gilmore said. "We can't talk until March. But that's the goal because I think we do have the pieces to get to where we want to go, and I want to be part of that."

However, the Cowboys' biggest hurdle is their salary cap space as they only have about $5.5 million in funds, per Over The Cap.

According to Spotrac, Gilmore is expected to receive upwards of $11 million for the 2024 season. So, Dallas has some work to do if it wants the five-time Pro Bowler to return next season.

Indianapolis Colts

A third reunion? Why not. 

Gilmore spent the 2022 season with the Colts, who traded him to the Cowboys a season later. But Indianapolis may need to call its old friend for more cornerback help in 2024.

The Colts were able to re-sign former Pro Bowl CB Kenny Moore II this offseason, but he has primarily played the slot cornerback role for them. Gilmore would provide some much-needed veteran experience on the outside.

Plus, they have plenty of cap space — $22.4 million per Over The Cap.