2. CB Stephon Gilmore
Don’t get me wrong Stephon Gilmore was an incredible signing for the Indianapolis Colts this offseason, especially after that position group lost some of its veteran leadership. Fans are expecting a lot from Gilmore this season and he may not be able to live up to the hype. Gilmore is almost 32 years old and entering his 11th year in the league. However, things don’t slow down. Players get faster, stronger, and younger.
All this being said, Gilmore has had a run in the last four years of his career making the Pro Bowl in each one. He put together two great years in 2018 and 2019 when he was named first-team All-Pro and the Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. In those seasons he posted 20 pass deflections with two and six interceptions respectively. In 2019 he led the league in both stats.
2020 was his last season in New England where he played 11 games, only recording one interception and three pass deflections, yet he was still named to the Pro Bowl. Then during a one-year stint in Carolina last season, he played in eight games recording two interceptions and two pass deflections, yet was still named to the Pro Bowl. Would it have been wrong for Gilmore not to make at least the Pro Bowl after being named DPOY?
Now he joins the Colts later in his career signing a two-year, $23 million contract. This position hasn’t necessarily been a question mark for Indianapolis but will need to be addressed soon. Kenny Moore II is hoping for a contract extension, Isaiah Rodgers is up and coming, and Brandon Facyson just joined the team on a one-year deal.
The Colts’ secondary as a whole is young, so Gilmore is there for a veteran presence and a nice piece during a transition period. However, fans should be hesitant in thinking the Indianapolis Colts are getting a vintage, DPOY, 2019 Stephon Gilmore.