Stephon Gilmore adds to vastly underrated Colts defense
The Indianapolis Colts have gone about their business in the 2022 offseason slowly, but they made a big pre-Draft splash, signing Stephon Gilmore.
The Indianapolis Colts have made their share of big headlines in the 2022 NFL offseason, but it feels at this point like they’ve been taking things at their own pace.
The Colts traded away Carson Wentz and waited in the weeds for Matt Ryan to become available to replace him. Was Ryan their top target at the QB position?
That seems unlikely, but who knows?
They made a trade to acquire pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue from the Raiders in exchange for cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, but that move was swiftly overshadowed by the Raiders signing Chandler Jones.
Stephon Gilmore adds to underrated Colts’ offseason
At this point, the Colts still have to add to their offensive line, specifically at the left tackle position, but they have just crossed off a major need with the signing of former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore to a two-year contract.
Five-time Pro Bowl CB Stephon Gilmore is signing with the #Colts, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 15, 2022
Gilmore may be into his early 30s but he’s still capable of having a substantial impact on the Colts’ defense this coming season.
The Colts’ defense, in general, has been underrated the past couple of seasons. Even with the departure of Matt Eberflus who went to be the head coach of the Chicago Bears, the Colts have the personnel on that side of the ball to be a playoff squad.
Gilmore joins a secondary that has a variety of newcomers joining one of the best slot corners in the game, Kenny Young.
The Colts signed Brandon Facyson from the Raiders this offseason after his breakout year under Gus Bradley in 2021.
They also managed to bring in longtime Eagles starting safety Rodney McLeod.
Gilmore certainly brings the most fanfare with him among the additions the Colts have made defensively being a former Defensive MVP. The Carolina Panthers acquired Gilmore in a trade last season and he only played a handful of games for them.
He picked off two passes in eight games and added 16 total tackles. Over the last two seasons, Gilmore has just five passes defensed (19 games) compared to the 40 he had in 2018 and 2019 combined.
How much does he have left in the tank? He is in a great situation to find out with the Colts.