According to Connor Hughes and a couple of his colleagues at The Athletic, the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets are believed to be the "most interested" in soon-to-be-free-agent-cornerback Stephon Gilmore. The Las Vegas Raiders are also believed to be interested in the two-time first-team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl defender.
Upgrading the cornerback position is expected to be a free-agency priority for the 49ers. San Francisco may be waiting to see if they can acquire Gilmore for a small discount after other top available cornerbacks agreed to deals elsewhere.
The three teams in on Stephon Gilmore are the #Jets, #49ers and #Raiders, sources tell @VicTafur, @LombardiHimself and me.
Jets, 49ers believed to be most interested. 49ers hoping to get Gilmore for below what Jackson, Davis got ($15-$16 APY).
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 14, 2022
While the 49ers are an estimated $9.6 million over the $208.2 million salary cap, the Jets had nearly $48.5 million in cap space heading into Monday, per Over The Cap. Although, a trade of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo would free up a significant amount of money for the Niners. The Raiders have $30.1 million available.
The Buffalo Bills drafted Gilmore (6-1, 202) out of South Carolina with the No. 10 overall pick in 2012. He registered 16 tackles, a tackle for a loss, two passes defensed, and two interceptions through eight game appearances (three starts) with the Carolina Panthers last season, per Pro Football Reference.
Gilmore, 31, has recorded 427 tackles, a sack, 116 passes defensed, 27 interceptions, two touchdowns, and seven forced fumbles in 132 game appearances (125 starts) through his 10 NFL seasons with the Bills, New England Patriots, and Panthers.