BUFFALO —
Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore is ready to compete for a starting job, after the first-round draft pick signed a four-year contract worth about $12 million on Thursday.
The deal was announced by the team, and included Buffalo CEO Russ Brandon posting a photo on his Twitter account of Gilmore signing his contract.
"It's official," Brandon wrote. "Nice way to start the morning."
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, Gilmore was drafted 10th overall after a three-year career at South Carolina, where he started all 40 games and was a two-time All-Southeastern Conference selection. The contract includes an option for fifth year.
The Bills have already opened room for Gilmore to take over after they released veteran starter Drayton Florence last week. And the signing came days after Gilmore got his first taste of the NFL in taking part in the Bills three-day rookie minicamp last weekend.
In four practices, Gilmore had several pass break ups and at least one interception while showing off his coverage skills. He was both fast on his feet in covering receivers deep, and also showed he's capable of bumping opponents coming off the line of scrimmage.
After the minicamp, Gilmore expected to have the contract completed by the end of this week, and is now happy to get it out of the way.
"I wasn't going to let it be a distraction. I wasn't really worried about it," Gilmore said in a statement released by the team. "I knew it was going to come through. Now I can just focus on football and do what I want to do."
Gilmore was the second cornerback selected in the draft, behind LSU's Morris Claiborne, who was picked sixth by Dallas.
The next step for Gilmore comes on May 29, when he will get an opportunity to line up against veteran receivers once the Bills open a monthlong series of minicamps.
"Oh yeah, I'm ready to see what the vets have going on," Gilmore said last weekend. "I'm going to play with confidence, and I'm going to still do what I know, and go from there."
Gilmore made a good first impression on coach Chan Gailey, who noted both the player's athleticism and confident approach.
Gilmore becomes the seventh of Buffalo's nine draft picks to sign with the team. The only players left unsigned are Buffalo's second- and third-round picks, offensive tackle Cordy Glenn and receiver T.J. Graham.
Gilmore is the latest addition to a defense that's been rebuilt this offseason, and to be overseen by Dave Wannstedt, who takes over as coordinator after George Edwards was fired in January. The Bills have already addressed improving their pass rush in free agency, when they signed defensive ends Mario Williams and Mark Anderson in March.
The moves were made in a bid to improve a defense that allowed a franchise-worst 5,938 yards last season. Buffalo is coming off a 6-10 finish to miss the playoffs for a 12th straight year.
Bills
Related Photos
-
FILE - In this May 11, 2012, file photo, Buffalo Bills' Stephon Gilmore look so during NFL football rookie camp in Orchard Park, N.Y. Gilmore is ready to compete for a starting job, after the first-round draft pick signed a four-year contract worth about $12 million on Thursday, May 17, 2012. AP Photo
Bills sign top pick
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore accepts four-year, $12M deal
- Bills
-
-
Bills make expected move
Doug Whaley is promoted to take over as Buffalo Bills general manager, making the team’s near top-to-bottom offseason overhaul complete.
-
Together again
A Newfane family of four, dressed in Bills gear, was among the many who stopped by the Bewley Building to meet former Bills greats Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas.
-
Bills select E.J. Manuel in the first round
After trading down, the Buffalo Bills still landed the player they desired, selecting Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel with the 16th pick in the 2013 NFL draft on Thursday.
-
Put'n out the Fitz
The Buffalo Bills are moving on without Ryan Fitzpatrick, after releasing the veteran quarterback after two-plus inconsistent seasons as starter.
-
Lights out on the career of Bills' LB Merriman
Linebacker Shawne Merriman is calling it “Lights Out” on his career.
-
Bills hire Doug Marrone as new head coach
It's official: Doug Marrone is the new Buffalo Bills' head coach.
-
Bills fire Chan Gailey
The Bills fired Chan Gailey on Monday after he failed to deliver on his vow to transform a losing franchise into a playoff contender.
-
Bills Ground the Jets
Closing the season with a mean-nothing win was of little consolation for Buffalo Bills safety Bryan Scott.
-
Russell Wilson soars as Seahawks rout Bills 50-17
It wasn't that long ago when Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was worried about overwhelming rookie quarterback Russell Wilson with too much information.
-
Rams down the punchless Bills
The St. Louis Rams are staying in the playoff race by suddenly showing they can win in the clutch.
- More Bills Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
