NFL writer urges Philadelphia Eagles to poach division-rival cornerback

The Philadelphia Eagles need help in their secondary, and they could turn to a former divisional foe for some much-needed assistance.

Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder names former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore as a great candidate for the Eagles in free agency.

Gilmore is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he played every game and registered 68 tackles, a couple of interceptions, a forced fumble and 13 passes defended.

He remains unsigned a month into free agency.

The 33-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of South Carolina, was originally selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 10th overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Gilmore spent the first five years of his career with the Bills, but did not really begin to get recognition until his final season with the club when he made the Pro Bowl after finishing with 48 tackles, five picks and 12 passes defended.

He went on to sign with the New England Patriots, where he proceeded to enjoy the best run of his NFL tenure.

In four seasons with the Patriots, Gilmore made three trips to the Pro Bowl and earned a couple of First-Team All-Pro selections. Most importantly, he helped lead New England to a Super Bowl championship during the 2018-19 campaign.

Gilmore was then traded to the Carolina Panthers in October 2021, where he spent half of a season. That ensuing offseason, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts and resided there for one year before being dealt to the Cowboys last March.

The Rock Hill, S.C. native may no longer be the same elite cornerback from his Patriots days, but there is no question that he can help a Philadelphia defensive backfield that sorely needs some depth.

Philly ranked 31st in the NFL in passing defense this past season.