Well, they did it. The Colts signed a big name in free agency. It wasn’t at the wide receive position like many were hoping — including Kevin & Query host Kevin Bowen — but the Colts signed a former Defensive Player of the Year on Friday. Stephon Gilmore and the Colts reached an agreement bringing the veteran to Indianapolis on a two-year, $23 million contract that includes $14 million guaranteed.
On the surface, that’s a signing that elevates the already star-studded Colts defensive unit. However, the last two seasons for the cornerback have been more about how much time he’s spent off the field rather than his impact on it. After winning AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, Gilmore has played in just 19 games across the last two seasons in New England with the Patriots and Carolina with the Panthers.
Is Gilmore still an elite level corner when healthy? Or more of a reliable veteran that can be a leader in the locker room? Kevin & Query were joined on Monday morning by Panthers beat writer for the Charlotte Observer, Jonathan M. Alexander. Jonathan watched Gilmore up close in the eight games he played a season ago and had this to say about the 31-year-old defensive back.
“Last season for Carolina, I think Stephon Gilmore was really good early on. He made some plays that were elite level. He’s a very smart player in that he anticipates, does a lot of film study and just seems like he knows what the other team is going to do. But, later in the year he got exposed against Antonio Brown in the game against the Bucs where Brown went off for 10 catches for 190 yards and a touchdown or two. I don’t think he’s 2019 level, but I think he can still be really good as long as he remains healthy.”
Whether or not he’s elite, Gilmore’s success in blue and white will, first and foremost, depend on his ability to stay on the football field. If you missed Monday’s Kevin & Query, you can find the full conversation with Jonathan below. And be sure to listen to the show weekdays from 7-10 a.m. on 93.5 and 107.5 the Fan!
