Breaking: Commanders are working on a deal to sign $23 million two-time All-Pro
Looking at other potential targets, Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department listed former Dallas Cowboys two-time All-Pro selection Stephon Gilmore as a “realistic target.” The Washington Commanders roster is much improved after an offseason in which the front office spent plenty of money to better the team. While Jayden Daniels has been the talk of the offseason, the Commanders’ defense added veteran players who should improve a unit that allowed the most points per game last year.
In an article on May 13th, Bleacher Report examined the requirements of clubs following the draft and offseason. The article stated, “The Commanders should be eager to add more to a secondary that ranked dead-last in passing yards allowed last season.” “Stephon Gilmore seems like a reasonable target, having spent the previous season playing for Quinn in Dallas.
Gilmore had a strong season as a starter with the Cowboys, starting all 17 games. He would bring skill, wisdom, and leadership to a cornerback room in need.
Numerous former Cowboys players who were coached by Dan Quinn, the new head coach, were signed by the Commanders.The former Cowboys players Dante Fowler Jr., Tyler Biadasz, and Dorrance Armstrong are the most recent additions to the Commanders this summer.
How Stephon Gilmore Would Help the Commanders
To improve as a squad, the Washington Commanders must first address their defense. In terms of rushing yards per game, passing yards per game, and total yards allowed, they were the worst. As demonstrated by their 4-13 record from the previous season, the 2023–24 Commanders’ defense won’t lead to much success even if Daniels winds up being a superstar quarterback.
With an overall PFF grade of 74.4, a run defense grade of 76.1, and a coverage grade of 72.3 in the 2023–24 campaign, Gilmore proved to be exceptional once more.
Every team needs a lockdown corner who can stop the greatest wide receivers on the other team, and Gilmore would provide them with just that.
Zach Selby, the Commanders’ senior writer, wrote on how Gilmore could support the team by looking into position groups that the Commanders could still address in March.
Selby stated, “Stephon Gilmore, who played for Quinn in Dallas, was as tough a player to beat as he has ever been in 2023, giving up the fifth-lowest completion percentage of his career and recording 13 pass breakups, which is his most since 2019.” “For the 12th straight season, he also maintained his record of at least one interception.”
Culture Is Changing for the Commanders
Given the Washington Commanders’ poor performance in the previous offseason, veteran players such as the former star of the Dallas Cowboys may be reluctant to join them.
Han Dotson, a receiver for the Commanders, stated that the energy is “different” from Quinn, therefore it appears that the culture is shifting (John Keim of ESPN).
“Since we kind of walked into the first team meeting, coach Quinn really emphasized that we are really a team. Since then, there has been a completely different energy.” The building is exuding a very positive energy and feeling. These are incredibly exciting times.
This culture change could help the Commanders land players of Gilmore’s caliber and given he already has a relationship with Quinn, this is a perfect pairing for both sides.
