GM Steve Kiem should kick the tires on the reigning Defensive Player of the year Stephone Gilmore. The return on investment could be season altering.
The New England Patriots are 2-4 and have not played quality football since Cam Newton’s Covid-19 diagnosis. At this point, no one can be sure they will turn their season around. Rumblings have surfaced they have fielded calls for star cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
If Stephon Gilmore is available, should the Cardinals pursue a trade? Absolutely they should. Patrick Peterson and Byron Murphy are a formidable tandem, but it can be better. Dre Kirkpatrick has played the role of CB3 in nickel and dime personnel groupings. Kirkpatrick is serviceable, he has not been a model of reliability throughout his career.
Striking a deal with the Patriots for Gilmore would provide defensive coordinator Vance Joseph with two bookend corners on the perimeter along with one of the better young nickel corners in the league (Murphy). Facing their divisional rival Seahawks, 49ers, and Rams the defense will be crucial if Arizona wishes to win this division.
Vance Joseph could channel his inner Rex Ryan from his Jets tenure when he deployed the services of Darrell Revis and Antonio Cromartie. Those stud corners allowed Rex to send multiple exotic blitz packages at quarterbacks weekly. Joseph could sprinkle more aggressive play-calling to disrupt opposing offenses timing and rhythm.
Gilmore would add a championship pedigree and another veteran leader in the locker room. Bill Belichick could ask for no less than a first-round pick for his best defensive player. Steve Kiem should send the pick over without hesitation. This move would signal to the entire organization they are a super bowl contender. Already 2-0 in the division, Arizona can not let their foot off the gas pedal. Instead, slam it to the floor and yell the “Champ is here” at the top of their lungs.
The time to take the next step is now. Do not become complacent with competing, strive to dominate.