With training camp approaching, many NFL players will still be hoping to catch on to rosters in time to earn a spot for the regular season, and that includes players as decorated as Stephon Gilmore
Gilmore, the NFL Defensive Player of The Year in 2019, still finds himself without a team for 2025, having last played for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, starting fifteen games.
That continued a career in which he’s made stops with the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, and Indianapolis Colts (as well as Minnesota) while usually providing solid play.
It’s therefore something of a surprise that the 34-year-old finds himself without a team, but he’s dropped a hint as to why that might be in a recent media appearance.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesStephon Gilmore looking for ‘right situation’ to return to NFL
Speaking to the The Money Down podcast, Gilmore confirmed his interest in continuing his playing career, while also hinting at the kind of place he would like to play at.
“Yes…[I want to play this year]. It’s got to be the right situation.” said Gilmore. “You know what I’m saying? I’m not just going to sign anywhere, so it’s got to be the right situation. I still love the game. I can still contribute. It’s just got to be the right place.”
Former #Cowboys corner Stephon Gilmore if he intends to play this season.
“I wanna play this year. It’s just gotta be the right situation…I’m not just going to sign anywhere, it gotta be the right situation. I still love the game. I still can contribute. It just gotta be the… pic.twitter.com/KCcb1BIovV
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) July 3, 2025
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It’s difficult to imagine there being any places that aren’t ‘the right place’ from a team standpoint, as most teams would welcome a veteran defensive back with Gilmore’s pedigree. His thirteen year pro career has welcomed in two first-team All-Pro bows, along with five Pro Bowls, as well as the Defensive Player Of The Year award in 2019. He also has experience of winning at the very top of the game, winning Super Bowl LIII with the New England Patriots, playing a key role with a late-game interception.
Stephon Gilmore could start in the NFL in 2025
Gilmore wasn’t clear on what the ‘right situation’ would entail, but it’s reasonable to assume that it probably meant starting in the NFL in his fourteenth year. If that is the case, there’s a few situations he could step into, and some are even contenders.
The first and most obvious option would be the Miami Dolphins, who are desperately looking for experience in the defensive back room having traded away Jalen Ramsey on Monday. Gilmore’s arrival would immediately help the slightly ailing situation there, as well as provide mentorship for the younger players currently holding the fort at that position.
A slightly more out-there option but one that could be of some use is the Green Bay Packers, who also lost a starter in Jaire Alexander this offseason. While the team seems content to roll with its younger players at the spot (as it often does in such situations), adding a talented veteran like Gilmore can make all the difference in important games in December and January, a.k.a., where the Packers intend to be.
Whoever signs him, it would be a surprise if Gilmore isn’t on an NFL roster next season.