Colts sign Stephon Gilmore to two-year deal, solving cornerback problem
The Indianapolis Colts make another big offseason move by signing Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore to a two-year deal.
On Wednesday it was reported that the Indianapolis Colts sent a private jet to Stephon Gilmore to get him in the building for a free agency visit.
Usually, when the jet comes out, that means the Colts are all in on getting a deal done. That proved to be true as it was reported on Friday that Gilmore is signing a two-year deal with Indy.
The contract is worth $23 million with $14 million guaranteed and it keeps the corner in Indianapolis for at least the next two seasons as the team chases a Super Bowl.
Comp update: Colts are giving CB Stephon Gilmore a two-year, 23 million deal including $14 million guaranteed, per source. https://t.co/9Ot1oD0lxt
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 15, 2022
Stephon Gilmore signs with Colts for two years
Gilmore was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 and has made the Pro Bowl in his last four seasons. Soon to be 32 years old, Gilmore has been able to keep playing at a quality level.
He may not be the 2019 version of himself that can follow an opposing team’s No. 1 receiver and shut him out, but he won’t have to be that for Indianapolis.
With new defensive coordinator, Gus Bradley, Gilmore will be able to contribute his skills and high IQ in a system that allows him to flourish without having to lock down receivers man-to-man.
Additionally, Gilmore now joins a Colts defense that is loaded with talent at every level. Indy has multiple Pro Bowlers on the defensive line in DeForest Buckner and Yannick Ngakoue.
Indianapolis also has Darius Leonard at linebacker, one of the best players in the NFL, and Kenny Moore playing as a slot cornerback. Not to mention emerging young talents like Julian Blackmon and Bobby Okereke.
The biggest question mark on the defense was the outside corners. Gilmore now answers that question and rounds out what should be one of the best defenses in the NFL. This should help Indianapolis return to the playoffs and pursue the championships that Jim Irsay promised fans.
