One of the biggest areas of concern for the Tennessee Titans remains at the cornerback position, but it just so happens there’s a top veteran cornerback who recently became available.
According to multiple reports, the New England Patriots have decided to part ways with cornerback Stephon Gilmore after the two sides failed to come to an agreement on a contract restructure.
Gilmore, who is currently on the PUP list and is out through Week 6, has since confirmed his departure from New England with a post on social media.
A former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Gilmore was among the best cornerbacks in the NFL from 2017 through 2019, leading to a pair of First-Team All-Pro selections in 2018 and 2019.
Gilmore’s numbers took a dip in 2020, a season that was cut short by five games due to injury.
Re Stephon Gilmore's (quad) release this am, I'm told the situation remained in a quagmire: "It was a catch 22. They wouldn't pay him until (he was) healthy, but they also wanted him to play 75-80%." Now, I'm told his quad is "good," & he still wants to be paid like a top corner.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) October 6, 2021
He still managed to garner a Pro Bowl nod last season, and his coverage numbers certainly weren’t terrible, as he allowed a completion rate of 57.1 percent and a QB rating of 75.7 when targeted.
Tennessee has a big issue at one cornerback spot right now, as veteran Janoris Jenkins has struggled to begin his Titans tenure. Jackrabbit is allowing a completion rate of 66.7 percent, a QBR of 102.2, and 12.1 yard per completion, all numbers that are worse than Gilmore’s 2020 marks.
As far as the fit is concerned, Gilmore works. While he excels in multiple types of coverages, the 31-year-old has been especially good in man coverage during his career.
Of course, one thing to consider will be the money, as the Titans have just $6.8 million in cap space, per Over the Cap. However, as we’ve seen on several occasions around the league this season, magic can be worked.
The Titans have already shown they are willing to go all-in to win this year, so it certainly isn’t out of the question for them to make a run at Gilmore, but the amount competition for his services will make it extremely difficult.
