NFL free agency: Veteran CB could be the Browns answer for injured MJ Emerson

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The Cleveland Browns had high hopes of getting back that coveted #1 defensive ranking they garnered back in 2023. Last year, there were many issues and problems with this unit, and during the off-season, the coaching staff and GM Andrew Berry have attempted to rectify the issues.

Then, a trio of events hit the linebacker room. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was placed on season-ending IR after his neck situation remained unresolved. Then Devin Bush was arrested and is facing a six-game suspension. And finally,

Jordan Hicks up and retired.

This week, starting right cornerback MJ Emerson went down with an Achilles tear on a non-contact injury. On Thursday, he underwent surgery. This has left a huge hole in the defensive backfield.

There are a few alterations that can fix this going forward. Cam Mitchell, Myles Harden, or Nik Needham can step up and be inserted into Emerson’s outside spot, or perhaps slot corner Greg Newsome can be moved back to his original position, and then a new guy can compete for the slot.

Or, Berry can bring in a seasoned veteran who could step into Emerson’s outside cornerback spot, leave Newsome where he is, and away the defense goes as usual.

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One name that comes to mind who could solve the problem is Stephon Gilmore, formerly of the Minnesota Vikings.

Gilmore (6’-0”, 190 pounds) has been to five Pro Bowls and was voted First Team All-Pro twice. He is a Super Bowl champion. In 2019, he was named the “NFL Defensive Player of the Year.” Yes, Gilmore is 34 years old, so he is not his 2019 self, who had six interceptions that season.

He has played 13 seasons and is a guy DC Jim Schwartz won’t have to coach much. In fact, he could become what former Browns safety Rodney McLeod was before he retired, in that he could become a coach on the field. He remains a good tackler and would become a great mentor for a young CB room.

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Gilmore’s speed is not like it used to be when he used to run a 4.38. But he still has excellent ball skills and is a solid defender. And with his age and the fact that he is still available, he would make him come to Cleveland on the cheap.

He spent the 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings and will turn 35 in September, but he still has the itch to play. His stats last year: 15 games played/starts, 56 total tackles, one tackle for loss, three missed tackles, zero sacks, nine batted passes, and one interception.

For his career, Gilmore has netted 617 total tackles, 149 batted passes, and 32 picks.

In coming to Cleveland, bringing back a veteran presence who would instill leadership to finish his career on a high note is a no-brainer. It’s low-risk, high-reward in a major area of need now that Emerson is confirmed lost for the year.

Gilmore had a PFF grade of 63.9 in 2024. Just two seasons ago, he graded out at 71.3 while with the Dallas Cowboys.

Right now, the Cowboys have been linked to reaching out to Gilmore because CB Caelen Carson suffered a hyperextended knee Sunday that will keep him out 4-6 weeks. So, if Berry has any inclination to bring him in for a medical checkup, the time is now.

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