As the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles prepare for another playoff-contending season in 2025, General Manager Howie Roseman continues his pursuit of talent to strengthen the roster. Despite notable departures this offseason, the Eagles remain a prime destination for veterans seeking a championship opportunity.
ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell recently identified former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore as an ideal fit for the Eagles' secondary. The connection makes perfect sense for a team looking to reinforce its defensive backfield with proven talent.
At 34, Gilmore continues to defy the aging curve that typically affects cornerbacks. His 2024 campaign with the Minnesota Vikings demonstrated he still possesses the elite skill set that once made him the league's top defender. Gilmore allowed just an 87.5 passer rating when targeted last season and produced negative EPA (Expected Points Added) for opposing offenses. He thrived in aggressive, man-to-man coverage schemes while providing veteran leadership in the secondary.
Philadelphia has already added cornerback Adoree' Jackson this offseason, but Gilmore would bring a different dimension to the defensive backfield. His experience in championship-caliber defenses with the Patriots makes him particularly valuable for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
The Eagles' championship window remains wide open despite roster turnover. The team has reached the Super Bowl twice in the last three seasons and claimed the Lombardi Trophy, proving Roseman's ability to construct and reconstruct championship-level rosters. Gilmore's addition would follow Roseman's established pattern of strategic veteran acquisitions.
For Gilmore, Philadelphia offers the opportunity to join a contender with a clear path to the postseason. After productive stints with Buffalo, New England, Dallas, and Minnesota, he could find his ideal situation with the Eagles-a team that values veteran leadership while maintaining championship expectations.
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Barnwell notes that Gilmore provided exceptional value on his $7 million contract with Minnesota last season. A similar deal could benefit both parties, giving Philadelphia elite cornerback talent without breaking the bank.
As training camp approaches, don't be surprised if Roseman makes another signature move to bolster a secondary that will face challenging passing attacks in the NFC East and beyond. For a team and player with championship aspirations, this potential partnership could be exactly what both sides need.
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This story was originally published March 20, 2025 at 3:57 PM.