Raiders ‘expressed interest’ in Stephon Gilmore before Colts signed it

Getty

New Indianapolis Colts CB Stephon Gilmore.

One of the names most commonly associated with the Las Vegas Raiders all season is defender Stephon Gilmore. There are a few times when it looks like a deal is imminent. He’s very familiar with head coach Josh McDaniels and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham from his time with the New England Patriots so it’s clear this is a good fit.

However, the Raiders must never have made him an attractive offer when he was signing elsewhere. According to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson, Gilmore is signed to the Indianapolis Colts.

Anderson later reported that the Raiders were one of the teams “to show interest” in signing Gilmore.

That’s no surprise when Jordan Schultz previously reported that the Raiders are trying to sign him. That is clearly not the case and now Gilmore joins a very good Colts defence. While Indianapolis was disappointing last season, the additions of Matt Ryan, Yannick Ngakoue and Gilmore will make the team much better.

ALL the latest Raid news delivered straight to your inbox! Register with Heavy on Raiders newsletter here!

Join Heavy on Raiders!

Gilmore Joins Former Raiders DC Gus Bradley

Interestingly, Gilmore is currently joined by former Raiders defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. The former Defensive Player of the Year has thrived in coverage throughout his career but will now be forced to play in a heavyweight formation. The Colts are providing Bradley with some very nice pieces to work with. He did a solid job fixing the Raiders defense last season but now he has much better defensive talent to work with.

Ngakoue, Gilmore, Darius Leonard, and DeForest Buckner all have Pro Bowl pedigree. Now, Gilmore will be more meaningful in the defense of the Raiders. Graham’s style is much better suited to the full-back’s skill set in his ability to cover people. That said, Gilmore will turn 32 in the off-season and wants at least one more big payday. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Colts are offering him a two-year, $23 million deal. That’s more than what the Raiders can get after spending big this season.

Will Raiders change focus to Tyrann Mathieu?

Gilmore is one of the few remaining difference-makers in the freelance company who would be a good fit for the Raiders. With him already out of the market, it’s hard to see the team signing any big names in the coming months. However, there is still one player that Las Vegas should consider. Fans have urged the team to sign Tyrann Mathieu safe for All-Pro.

The 29-year-old is highly motivated after being scorned by the Kansas City Chiefs during the off-season crop. The Raiders should appeal to him as he can get revenge on his former team twice a season. Plus, he’ll fill the needs of the team. Trevon Moehrig has proven he should keep one of the safe starting positions this season but the other starting position remains unclear. Mathieu will be a big upgrade over Johnathan Abram. He doesn’t have any connection to the new Raiders coaching staff but that doesn’t matter given his reputation as one of the most tenacious and brilliant defensive linebackers in the NFL.

CONTINUE READING: Derek Carr Speaks About What It’s Like To Throw To Davante Adams Again