No defensive position has been more coveted since the free-agent negotiating period started yesterday than cornerback. The top prize, of course, was former Patriots CB JC Jackson.
The Raiders were said to be among those bidding for his services, but Jackson chose to team up with Derwin James with the Chargers.
The next in line is another former Patriots cornerback, Stephon Gilmore. As of day two, he was still on the board. And he had three teams that were reportedly heavily interested — the 49ers, Jets, and Raiders.
The three teams in on Stephon Gilmore are the #Jets, #49ers and #Raiders, sources tell @VicTafur, @LombardiHimself and me.
Jets, 49ers believed to be most interested. 49ers hoping to get Gilmore for below what Jackson, Davis got ($15-$16 APY).
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 14, 2022
Several teams have shown strong interest in free agent corner Stephom Gilmore. Per source, both the #Jets and #Raiders are among those interested in signing the 31-year old.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 15, 2022
Late Monday, the 49ers took themselves out of the running, signing former Chiefs CB Charvaius Ward, seemingly leaving the Raiders and Jets as the only teams mentioned by name to have interest in Gilmore.
Former Chiefs’ CB Charvarious Ward intends to sign a three-year deal worth up to $42 million including $26.7 million guaranteed with the San Francisco 49ers, his agency @UniSportsMgmt told ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2022
Then ESPN’s Rich Cimini came out disputing previous reports the Jets were ever interested in Gilmore.
After a strong Day 1, what might the #Jets do on Day 2?
Forget CB Stephon Gilmore; they’re not pursuing him. They have other (better) CB options. Remain interested in S Marcus Williams, but asking price still too high for teams. QB Joe Flacco could re-sign. Maybe OL Dan Feeney.
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) March 15, 2022
A few hours later, the Jets made their move at cornerback, signing former Seahawks CB DJ Reed.
The Jets are signing CB D.J. Reed, source confirms (as @Connor_J_Hughes said). They were never interested in Stephon Gilmore. It was either Reed or Darious Williams or Donte Jackson. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) March 15, 2022
And then there was the Raiders. It’s, of course, important to note one of the initial reports, despite mentioning just three teams by name, also said “several teams”, so anything can happen should one or more of them up their offers.
But as of now, the signs suggest the reason for positivity in terms of the Raiders possibly landing the Pro Bowler Gilmore. If it happened, it would certainly ease some fans’ minds about whether the Raiders can come out of free agency with an upgrade at one of their biggest need positions.
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism