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ESPN Thinks Steelers Are Best Free Agency Fit For Stephon Gilmore

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense is what helped them win a majority of their games during the 2021 season. With an offense that didn’t scare anyone, especially through the air, there was a lot of pressure on the defense to perform. More often than not, they were up to the task.

While a lot of the attention given to the Steelers this offseason will be on the offensive side of the ball, and rightfully so as they search for a new starting quarterback and offensive line help, there are some needs on the defense. Pittsburgh has a vaunted pass rush, but the run defense leaves a lot to be desired.

Pittsburgh has legitimate game-changers at every level of their defense. Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt terrorize offensive lines in the front seven. Minkah Fitzpatrick is an elite, versatile secondary player. But, the secondary, specifically at cornerback, could use some help.

Another need for the team heading into the offseason is cornerback help. The Steelers were dangerously thin in their secondary all last season and depth could be an issue once again. Joe Haden is hitting free agency along with safety Terrell Edmunds.

With some money to spend, expect cornerback to be a position they aggressively pursue. They may not be in the market for someone like J.C. Jackson, but ESPN believes Stephon Gilmore would be a strong addition.

Over at ESPN, they put together a piece of the best fits for the top 50 free agents in the NFL this offseason. Gilmore, who was the No. 21 ranked free agent, had the Steelers named as his best fit.

“We struggled with narrowing down this fit, because many teams would like Gilmore. About two dozen teams had interest at the trade deadline. The 49ers desperately need corner help and will probably poke around here. But Pittsburgh is retooling at the position as well, and Steelers coaches have long been fans of Gilmore’s play.”

Gilmore battled injuries throughout 2021, eventually being traded from the New England Patriots to the Carolina Panthers as he was seeking a new contract. He didn’t play much in Carolina but showed that he is still a playmaker, intercepting two passes and defending two more in only 305 snaps. He also added 15 solo tackles and one tackle for loss.

It was not long ago that Gilmore was regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019 and looks like someone that can still get the job done.

He will have a robust market that Pittsburgh will have to compete with, but he would be a great addition to this defense. Given his age, as he is going to be 32-years old early in the season, he shouldn’t break the bank for the Steelers but will present a sizable upgrade for the secondary.

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