In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Las Vegas Raiders have pulled off a stunning coup by signing Stephon Gilmore, the 5-time Pro Bowl cornerback and former Defensive Player of the Year, in free agency.
According to sources close to the team, Gilmore agreed to a 2-year deal worth up to $18 million, bringing elite veteran presence and shutdown ability to a Raiders secondary that has long needed a game-changer.
Gilmore, 34, is coming off a quietly productive season with the Dallas Cowboys, where he proved he still has gas in the tank, recording 3 interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and locking down some of the league’s top wideouts. His signing fills a glaring hole in the Raiders’ defense and immediately elevates their status in the ultra-competitive AFC West.
Raider Nation Reacts: “Super Bowl or Bust”
The Raider fanbase, known for its intensity and passion, exploded with excitement across social media. Hashtags like #GilmoreIsland, #CommitToExcellence, and #RaiderNationRising began trending within hours of the announcement.
“Stephon Gilmore in Silver & Black? Let’s goooo! This defense just got LEGIT,” tweeted one fan
A Strategic Power Move
The timing of the signing is also being hailed as strategic. With Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and now Bo Nix in the division, Gilmore’s presence gives the Raiders a reliable veteran to anchor a young and developing defense. Combined with rising star Nate Hobbs and recent draft pick Decamerion Richardson, the Raiders’ secondary could go from liability to lethal.
This signing adds to what’s already been a strong offseason for Las Vegas, who also made waves by drafting powerhouse defensive lineman Byron Murphy II and solidifying their offensive line.
What’s Next?
While the Raiders still have questions at quarterback, with Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew competing in camp, the Gilmore signing makes one thing clear: this team is going all-in.
NFL fans and analysts alike are watching. With Stephon Gilmore donning the Silver & Black, the Raiders just made their biggest statement of the offseason — and possibly their most important one.