Bill Belichick Opens Up About Stephon Gilmore Contract Situation

The New England Patriots didn’t have all players on the field during mandatory minicamp. One particular veteran is making headlines with his absence, and fans have started asking questions. Head coach Bill Belichick talked about Stephon Gilmore and his contract situation with the Patriots. Well, he didn’t really say much. Gilmore’s absence from mandatory minicamp is one of the biggest stories these days.

Belichick tried to ignore all the questions about Gilmore, but decided to “address the elephant in the room” on Tuesday’s session with the media.

“I don’t expect him to be here, and we’ll just focus on the guys that are here,” Belichick said.

Things got really tricky here. Gilmore sure hopes to get a better contract. The Patriots will give him $7 million in 2021, and he probably likes a little more than that. The 30-year-old wants a new deal and Belichick may not be in the mood to give him one.

Bill Belichick has a solution to Stephon Gilmore and his contract situation

If Gilmore doesn’t show up, Belichick will ask J.C. Jackson to step up as the No.1 cornerback on the field. What did Belichick say about this?

“Every year is a new year for all of us, so it doesn’t really matter what did or didn’t happen last year,” Belichick said. “We’re all working on building a good foundation this year and trying to have our best performance in the 2021 season. I know that J.C. [Jackson], that’s his goal and that’s all of our goals, so we’ll see how it goes.”

Jackson is entering free agency after 2021, and he has already been part of many rumors lately.

Patriots players believe that Gilmore will return to the field at some point. Veteran free safety Devin McCourty talked to the media and said that Gilmore will do what he needs to do.

“The Quiet Assassin is doing what he needs to do to get back out there and playing good football. Gilly’s still under contract, so when he comes back in, he does what he does. I’ve been talking to him. He’s still a part of this team.”