Jameis Winston and Stephon Gilmore Free Agent Targets

[Steeler Nation]

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in need of a cornerback, and quarterback. ESPN believes that there are two options that would fit in perfectly in Pittsburgh.

They put together a piece of the best fits for the top 50 free agents in the NFL this offseason. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who was the No. 21 ranked free agent, had the Steelers named as his best fit.

ESPN had this to say about the fit with Pittsburgh:

“We struggled with narrowing down this fit, because many teams would like Gilmore. About two dozen teams had interest at the trade deadline. The 49ers desperately need corner help and will probably poke around here. But Pittsburgh is retooling at the position as well, and Steelers coaches have long been fans of Gilmore’s play.”

Now it isn’t the norm for the Steelers to go out and sign a big name, but this off-season they have the salary cap room, and the need. The last time they had success with a free agent corner was another big name in Joe Haden. They also made corner Steven Nelson the highest paid free agent signee in team history in 2019. That of course ended in a debacle, but it proves that the Steelers are willing to spend on a cornerback.

As is with every team that needs a starting quarterback the Steelers have been named with just about every living quarterback that may be available to play in 2022. ESPN added a popular name to the list, and one that’s been associated with the Steelers for the past couple of seasons: Jameis Winston.

Winston is an intriguing name to watch. With Sean Payton opting to leave New Orleans, it appears like Winston will be doing the same. Winston once threw 30 interceptions in a season, but since leaving Tampa Bay has learned the art of protecting the football. In 7 starts last year Winston threw 14 touchdowns to 3 interceptions leading the Saints to 5 victories in those games. An injury would ultimately end Winston’s season, but his progress is undeniable.

ESPN had this to say about Winston to the Steelers:

“With Winston, we would see the full scheme under (offensive) coordinator Matt Canada,” writes ESPN. “That means more motion/movement, under-center play-action and full-field passing concepts on dropback throws. The decision-making with Winston is still a concern, but his arm talent and second-reaction movement ability would fit well here.”

It’s noteworthy that Winston had Lasik eye surgery after his departure from Tampa Bay.

“I can read license plates. I can read street signs,” Winston told reporters. “No blurriness, and I think that’s huge…. Depth perception has increased tremendously and those are the big things,” he added.

Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..

 

[stillerfaninfl]

Gilmore Yes, Winston No.

 

[Litos]

Why was Haden a debacle? The guy played up to his contract, can't blame him for failure elsewhere

 

[bornafan]

Why was Haden a debacle? The guy played up to his contract, can't blame him for failure elsewhere

Believe they were referring to Nelson, not Haden.

 

[livingthrudying]

Why was Haden a debacle? The guy played up to his contract, can't blame him for failure elsewhere

They said Haden worked out but NElson was the debacle.

 

[madinsomniac]

I think Gilmore is going to be wickedly overpriced so while he is a nice add… i would not overspend on him

Winston is extremely intriguing though… he has all the talent in the world and last looked like he finally turned the corner from his early “tons of tds and picks” issues

If he was cheaper than the other options, and they really are hell bent on bringing in a vet, he is a good get

 

[SteelerFan448]

The Steelers need to buy low on a cornerback. They got a good deal with Haden this way and they found a scheme fit with a guy like Nelson.

I'd be fine with Winston. He should be very affordable coming off a major injury.

 

[bermudasteel]

Gilmore Yes, Winston No.

I think you got that in reverse...

Winston was incredible before he got hurt w/ the Saints and he's on the right side of 30. Gilmore isn't the same guy he was in *'s land...

 

[Litos]

I'd agree with Winston but nothing expensive

 

[slashsteel]

There will be better in their prime type available corners... I'll pass on Happy Gilmore. Winston has some things to like but those Ints he likes throw make me cautious. Would obviously be yet another upgrade over Rudy.