6 Free Agents the Chiefs Should Sign Before Mandatory Minicamp

3. Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback

There's no such thing as too many cornerbacks in the NFL. The league has become so focused on passing that teams often need to go four-deep at corner. Kansas City understands the need to slow down the opposing aerial attack and their dedication to building a strong secondary paid off last year.

The Chiefs were fourth in the NFL in passing yards surrendered, giving up just 3,001 on the year. Trent McDuffie was their top cornerback and he really excelled in the slot. When he slides inside, the Chiefs turn to Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson as the boundary corners. Williams was 25th in the league at the position according to PFF and Watson was 46th — McDuffie was fourth with a grade of 84.8.

Kansas City feels good about this trio as they should. They also have rookie Kamal Hadden from Tennessee, who could be a steal as a late-round pick. Having said that, chasing history is tough — and the Chiefs should leave no stone unturned as they aim for that goal. That's why kicking the tires on Stephon Gilmore would be a wise move.

Gilmore is a 12-year veteran who won a title with the New England Patriots following the 2018 season. In addition to his four years with the Pats, Gilmore played for the Buffalo Bills for five years but has been a journeyman as of late. He spent 2021 with the Carolina Panthers, 2022 with the Indianapolis Colts, and 2023 with the Dallas Cowboys.

At his last stop, he was forced into a CB1 role when Trevon Diggs tore his ACL in Week 3. Gilmore responded exactly as expected, by playing well. He has yet to sign anywhere in 2024 but proved last year he still has something in the tank.