The Detroit Lions got things back on track with a much-needed victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football as they improved to 8-5 on the year with their 44-30 win at Ford Field.
Detroit has alternated wins and losses going back to their victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5, which is one of the reasons why they are fighting for their postseason lives down the stretch rather than attempting to hold off their NFC North rivals for the division crown. While it isn't the only reason for the lack of consistent success, the Lions' secondary is seeing players drop like flies and outside reinforcements could be what Detroit ultimately needs to shore up its backend on defense.
Fortunately, the Lions could have a former All-Pro defender ready and willing to take on that challenge if they elect to pursue him.
Stephon Gilmore Appears Open to Joining Bills For Postseason Run
Stephon Gilmore has put together a career that could, and probably should, land him in Canton one day. Despite his Super Bowl championship, NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors, and a wealth of other accolades, the former South Carolina Gamecocks star still feels he can make a difference and has been waiting for his opportunity to come.
While this is just a fan's plea to Gilmore to join the Buffalo Bills, Gilmore certainly didn't do much to rule out the possibility if Buffalo's front office were to come calling. This is exactly why the Lions should beat the Bills, or any other team for that matter, to the punch and bring Gilmore in to see what he can provide a secondary that is in dire need of talented, healthy bodies.
Despite being 35 years old, Gilmore proved over the last three seasons that he is still a valuable contributor on the defensive side of things. He may not be the shutdown corner he once was, but with overall grades from Pro Football Focus of 79.1, 74.4, and 63.9 during those three years, Gilmore is still more than capable of playing a role on a defense with Super Bowl aspirations.
Given the recent loss of Terrion Arnold for the remainder of the season due to a shoulder injury, as well as Brian Branch being done for the year after tearing his Achilles tendon against the Cowboys in Week 14, there is little reason for Brad Holmes and Detroit's front office not to reach out to Gilmore's representation to see if the two sides can come to an agreement.
At this stage of the game, there is truly no downside to this type of approach with a known commodity at a position of need.