By Stig Editor 
Saints already in discussion to seal deal for Former Patriots Star for….
The New Orleans Saints may be eyeing a veteran addition to their secondary—former NFL Defensive Player of the Year and five-time Pro Bowler Stephon Gilmore. With the team already making moves to strengthen its defensive backfield, general manager Mickey Loomis could still be looking for another experienced playmaker.
Recent Saints Secondary Moves
New Orleans recently re-signed cornerback Isaac Yiadom and brought in safety Justin Reid, reinforcing a secondary that has undergone several changes. However, despite these additions, the Saints still have a notable gap at cornerback, particularly with the departure of Marshon Lattimore.
NFL analyst John Sigler of Saints Wire has suggested that Gilmore could be a viable short-term solution.
“Stephon Gilmore’s best days are behind him at this point, though he still had some nice moments with the Minnesota Vikings last year,” Sigler noted. “If he wants to keep playing football, more of these one-year deals are probably the best he can expect. He’s more of a viable starter than Isaac Yiadom or a mid-round draft pick, but the Saints need a long-term answer at the spot where Marshon Lattimore used to line up.”
Gilmore’s Career and Potential Impact
At 34 years old, Gilmore remains a respected and skilled defensive back. He has spent the last four seasons on one-year stints with multiple teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, and Carolina Panthers. Despite changing teams frequently, he has maintained solid production.
Gilmore entered the NFL as the No. 10 overall pick in the 2012 Draft, selected by the Buffalo Bills. He spent five seasons in Buffalo before signing with the New England Patriots in 2017, where he had his most dominant stretch. During his five-year tenure with New England, he helped lead the Patriots to a Super Bowl victory and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2019.
Over his career, Gilmore has compiled impressive stats, including:
- 617 total tackles
- 149 pass deflections
- 32 interceptions
- 2 defensive touchdowns
His ability to read offenses, anticipate routes, and make crucial plays in coverage has made him a sought-after veteran even as he nears the end of his career.
Financial and Contract Considerations
According to Spotrac, Gilmore’s market value suggests he could land a one-year contract worth approximately $5.3 million. This price point makes him an affordable option for teams looking for short-term help at cornerback.
For the Saints, the decision to pursue Gilmore would likely hinge on two key factors:
- His willingness to accept a one-year deal. Given his age and recent movement between teams, another short-term contract seems most realistic for Gilmore.
- New Orleans’ confidence in its current secondary. If the Saints believe their younger cornerbacks are capable of stepping up, they may opt to invest their resources elsewhere.
Should the Saints Make the Move?
With the NFC South shaping up to be a competitive division in 2025, the Saints need to solidify their defense. If Gilmore is indeed an upgrade over Yiadom, as Sigler suggests, it would make sense for Loomis to reach out and gauge his interest.
Gilmore’s experience, leadership, and ability to mentor younger players could provide value beyond just his on-field production. If the Saints can secure him at a reasonable price, he could serve as a stabilizing presence in their secondary for the upcoming season.
Whether New Orleans ultimately signs him remains to be seen, but with free agency still unfolding, a deal with the former Patriots star remains a strong possibility.