REPORT: Bills To Sign Former Defensive Player of the Year

The Buffalo Bills’ defense could use some reinforcements after finishing the season tied for 11th in points allowed per game (21.6) and ranking 17th in total yards allowed per game (341.5). Their pass defense struggled in particular, surrendering 396 completions (tied for ninth most), 3,843 yards (ninth most), and 28 touchdowns (tied for eighth most). To address this, Daniel Valente and Brenden Deeg of The Score predict that Buffalo will sign free-agent cornerback and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore.

“Gilmore, 34, still appears to have plenty left in the tank after a strong season with the Vikings,” they wrote, suggesting he could be an upgrade over Dane Jackson, the projected starter opposite Christian Benford.

Last season, Gilmore remained effective in coverage, allowing 52 completions for 596 yards and four touchdowns on 84 targets, with a 94.1 passer rating. He could be a natural replacement for Rasul Douglas, who is currently a free agent after starting 15 games for Buffalo in 2024 and giving up 43 receptions for 518 yards and four touchdowns on 59 targets, posting a 122 passer rating.

Signing Gilmore likely wouldn’t be costly, as Spotrac estimates his market value at $5.3 million per year. Additionally, a return to Buffalo would be a full-circle moment for Gilmore, who was originally drafted by the Bills with the 10th overall pick in 2012 and spent his first five seasons with the team.