Browns could be eyeing former Defensive Player of the Year as Martin Emerson Jr replacement

It was confirmed on Wednesday that Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. was lost for the season due to a torn Achilles.

This leaves the Browns in need of another cornerback on the outside, or they could search for a nickel cornerback while pushing Greg Newsome outside full-time. However, keeping Newsome at nickel makes the most sense, which means pursuing an outside cornerback will likely take place.

One name that makes a lot of sense is Stephon Gilmore. The former Defensive Player of the Year had a solid 2024 season, and can still give a team something of worth even at age 34. 

Gilmore had a PFF grade of 63.9 in 2024, which ranked 93rd amongst 222 qualified cornerbacks. He also provides a lot as a tackler near the line of scrimmage, ranking 28th out of 222 cornerbacks in rush defense grade with a 77.6.

Should Gilmore want to play one more year, going to Cleveland would provide a chance for him to get quality snaps while also mentoring a young group behind him.

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