3 Last-Minute Signings the Bears Can Make At Start of Training Camp

2. Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback

Stephon Gilmore was once considered among the best cornerbacks in the business. The No. 10 overall pick in 2012, Gilmore spent five years with the Buffalo Bills before signing with the New England Patriots in 2017. He helped the Pats win Super Bowl LIII, as they held the high-scoring Los Angeles Rams offense to just three points in a 13-3 victory.

Since leaving New England in 2020, Gilmore has become a journeyman. He spent one year with the Carolina Panthers, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Dallas Cowboys. Last season, in Dallas, he had to take on a larger role when Trevon Diggs suffered a torn ACL. He performed well but wasn't re-signed and is still looking for work. To his credit, he's remaining positive and patiently waiting for a call.

"There are still some good corners and safeties out there like Justin Simmons and myself that are still not signed. Honestly, I’m still being patient and staying ready until teams see what they have in training camp; but you mean to tell me among 32 teams that there are 64 starting corners that are better than me? I don’t think that. If teams want to win, I think they should sign the best players. I know I’m still a starter in this league. I started games last year, but the season doesn’t start until September, we got a while." — Gilmore, via Josina Anderson

Chicago has a stud on one side in Jaylon Johnson. They also love Kyler Gordon in the slot. The one question is Tyrique Stevenson who had four picks but surrendered nine touchdowns in 2023. Adding Gilmore would give them another veteran who can push Stevenson