The 2024 Cincinnati Bengals season was disappointing. They went 9-8, finished third in the AFC North, and missed the playoffs for the second straight season.
One of the biggest reasons for their failures was the defense, which by the end of the year ranked 25th in total yards per game allowed and tied for 25th in points per game allowed (25.6).
To help fix those numbers, in an article by For The Win, Cory Woodruff predicts the Bengals will sign cornerback Stephone Gilmore, who has been named one of the five Pro Bowls and has even won the 2019 AP Defensive Player of the Year award.
The Bengals certainly had their ups and downs within the secondary in 2024, allowing 372 completions (13th most), 3,799 yards (12th-most), 30 touchdowns (fourth-most) and a 91.9 passer rating (17th-highest).
Gilmore is coming off a solid season for the Minnesota Vikings, starting 15 games and accumulating 56 tackles, one tackle for loss, nine pass deflections and one interception.
However, the 34-year-old did find himself struggling in pass coverage, allowing 52 completions, 596 yards, 7.1 yards per target, four touchdowns, and a 94.1 passer rating.
If Gilmore can return to the same player who was targeted 89 times in 2022, allowing 50 receptions, 577 yards, four touchdowns, and a much more impressive 74 passer rating, he'd be a very valuable asset to the Bengals.
Related: Browns Predicted to Sign 10-Time Pro Bowl QB to Replace Deshaun Watson
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This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 12:11 PM.