The Los Angeles Chargers either fell short in an attempt to trade for Jalen Ramsey, or they never even made an offer after it was reported that the multi-time Pro Bowl cornerback expressed interest in being traded to a West Coast team.
The Chargers could still use a veteran presence in a secondary that has some young stars, and former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore is available. In a recent appearance on The Money Down podcast, Gilmore said he is just looking for the right team to contact him.
"I want to play this year, it's just got to be the right situation. It's got to be the right situation for me. I'm not just gonna sign anywhere. … I still love the game. I still can contribute. It's just got to be the right place", said Gilmore.
That likely means he's looking for a good deal financially that also comes from a contender.
Gilmore has played on a series of one-year contracts, spending the last four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings, respectively. He made 15 starts for the Vikings last season and had 56 tackles with one interception.
Could the Chargers be the "right situation"? David Latham of Last Word on Sports feels it could be a possibility.
"After making the playoffs in his first year at the helm, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has his eyes set on the Super Bowl. While the team spent most of their offseason resources bolstering the trenches and rebuilding the running game, they could still use more help in the secondary. Fifth-round pick Tarheeb Still is the real deal, but someone must replace Kristian Fulton on the outside. Stephon Gilmore might not be the same lockdown force he was in the late 2010s, but he’s still a reliable starter who should help Los Angeles compete in arguably the league’s most competitive division", wrote Latham.
The move would make plenty of sense. The Chargers, who have more than enough room under the salary cap, could stick to the trend of giving Gilmore a one-year deal and perhaps one more shot at the Super Bowl before he calls it a career. The Chargers will be placing a lot of pressure on Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart, two young corners, if they don't add another veteran, which is why the subject keeps coming up.
Gilmore has indicated that he wants to continue his playing career and the Chargers should open a discussion to see if there is interest from his side.
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