Stephon Gilmore could boost Bengals secondary
In a surprise move, Stephon Gilmore has been released by the Patriots. Perhaps the Cincinnati Bengals could be interested in adding Gilmore to their secondary, which could use some help.
First, let’s dive into why Gilmore was let go from New England.
The Patriots reportedly tried to trade the two-time All-Pro cornerback but to no avail, as the 31-year-old is recovering from a quad injury. He was released instead and with him being set to return in a few weeks, it’s no surprise that teams will be interested in signing the cornerback.
A stunner: Patriots are releasing four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who was eligible to come off the Physically Unable to Perform List after Week 6, source tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/31H8KQF8hq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 6, 2021
Cincinnati Bengals should at least reach out to Stephon Gilmore.
At this stage in his career, Gilmore probably wouldn’t have any interest in joining a team like the Bengals. They’re not winning a Super Bowl this year and might not even be a playoff team despite their 3-1 start.
With that said, however, Cincinnati might be able to pay Gilmore the type of money he’d be seeking in free agency. If the money is important to him, Gilmore could consider the Queen City as his next destination.
This would help the Bengals’ secondary tremendously, as Trae Waynes just made his Cincy debut after signing as a free-agent last offseason. In his place, Eli Apple has done his best, but he hasn’t been very good, to put it nicely.
Chidobe Awuzie has played well and Mike Hilton has had his moments but the Bengals will need to have a much more solid secondary moving forward if they want to contend for a playoff spot. Gilmore would help with that.
Again, there might not be much interest from Gilmore’s side but if he did consider signing with Cincinnati, this secondary would be much improved.