Stephon Gilmore Predicted to be Lions' 'Biggest Signing'

Could Lions land veteran defensive back in free agency?

The Detroit Lions are expected to continue their efforts to upgrade the defense this offseason. 

Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has yet to be able to find consistent answers at the cornerback position. 

Last offseason, former Steelers cornerback Cam Sutton was signed to assist in stabilizing the position. 

Over the course of a 17-game season, it became evident the veteran was better suited to be a No. 2 cornerback. 

While the draft could add more depth and developmental prospects, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes could also look to free agency to add more cornerbacks to the room. 

This week, Sports Illustrated predicted each NFL team's "biggest signing" in free agency. 

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore was predicted to be the biggest "splash" Detroit makes in free agency this year. 

"The Detroit Lions’ 2023 signings of cornerbacks Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley didn’t fix the team’s secondary issues. Sutton struggled to adjust in Detroit and Moseley only played one game due to injury," writes Gilberto Manzano. "The team might be willing to run it back with Sutton and Moseley, who agreed to a one-year extension. But they’re now legit Super Bowl contenders and shouldn’t settle. Gilmore, 33, would provide immediate help."

The talented defensive back's brother, Steven, spent the 2023 season in Motown, and earned the respect of the coaching staff, due to his resiliency. 

"You want to know if these players are resilient, and I would say Gilmore, that was encouraging," Dan Campbell said in the preseason. "You give up a big one, and then you go right back, and you don’t bat an eye. You get a big knockdown in the red zone, and then he gets a ricochet interception. Those are big."

In 2023, Gilmore started 17 games in Dallas, and earned a 74.4 PFF grade. 

A veteran presence could assist the younger players on defense in understanding the nuances of the position. The team, meanwhile, also brought in a new defensive backs coach in Deshea Townsend.