Bengals predicted to sign former $65 million All-Pro defender in splash move

The Cincinnati Bengals' defense held the team back in 2024, especially the secondary. The unit was awful for most of the year and cost Cincinnati a chance to compete in the playoffs.

Cornerback is still a need the Bengals should look to address, as Cam Taylor-Britt is coming off an abysmal season, and Dax Hill is the only viable option at the position. NFL.com's Jeffri Chadiha predicts Cincinnati will sign Minnesota Vikings free-agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore to fill the need.

"Cincinnati needs as much depth and experience as it can find in its secondary after fielding one of the league’s worst pass defenses last season. Gilmore could help with that cause. For one, he’s still proven to be a competent man-coverage cornerback, which is a skill set the Bengals will covet with new defensive coordinator Al Golden," Chadiha wrote.

Gilmore is getting older and is no longer playing at an All-Pro level, but the veteran is still a solid player who could step in as a starter for the Bengals. The 34-year-old started 15 games for the Vikings in 2024 and snagged one interception with nine passes defended.

The five-time Pro Bowler's experience and leadership would be incredibly valuable for a Cincinnati defense that struggled mightily last year and has a new coordinator in Al Golden. Gilmore could also help mentor the younger players in the secondary, including Taylor-Britt, Hill, and Josh Newton, and elevate the Bengals' floor on defense.

Additionally, Gilmore shouldn't cost too much to sign. Spotrac projects the two-time All-Pro will land a one-year deal worth $5.3 million, which would be a bargain for a potential starter.

Overall, Stephon Gilmore isn't the same player he once was, but the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year could definitely help out the Bengals as they hope to return to the postseason after two straight frustrating seasons.

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