NFL writer believes former Pro Bowl CB could be good fit with 49ers

Stephon Gilmore is still a free agent, and Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder thinks he would be a great fit for the San Francisco 49ers.

Holder notes that the 49ers entered the offseason needing to upgrade their second starting cornerback spot, but that financial constraints have prevented San Francisco from achieving that thus far.

However, because Gilmore is still available nearly a month into free agency, Holder thinks that he may be open to joining a contending Niners club on a cheaper deal.

Gilmore spent the 2023 campaign with the Dallas Cowboys, playing in every game and registering 68 tackles, a couple of interceptions, a forced fumble and 13 passes defended.

The 33-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of South Carolina, was originally selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 10th overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft.

He spent the first five years of his career with the Bills and finally began getting recognition in his final season with the club, making the Pro Bowl after recording 48 tackles, five picks and 12 passes defended.

Gilmore then went on to sign with the New England Patriots, where he spent the next four seasons and blossomed into one of the best defensive backs in football.

During his time with the Patriots, Gilmore made three trips to the Pro Bowl while also earning a pair of First-Team All-Pro selections. Most importantly, he helped New England win a Super Bowl championship during the 2018-19 campaign.

The Pats traded Gilmore to the Carolina Panthers in October 2021, and that ensuing offseason, he proceeded to join the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts then dealt him to the Cowboys after one season.

Gilmore may no longer be the same elite cornerback from his Patriots days, but he remains a solid contributor and could certainly be of help to the 49ers’ secondary.