Report: Stephon Gilmore Replacement Could Be a Pro-Bowler

The New England Patriots may part ways with one of their veterans in the offseason. Stephon Gilmore has yet to sign a contract extension with the team, and some say the Patriots have already found a replacement for him.

Yes, New England may trade Gilmore in the next couple of months. The former Defensive Player of the Year wants a better deal. If they trade him, the Patriots may try a player who is set to have a breakout season.

J.C. Jackson will probably replace Gilmore. Connor Orr from Sports Illustrated  believes that Jones will be the player in the best position to benefit from the opportunity.

The Patriots can trade Gilmore, and Jones is here to turn the corner.

Mike D’Abate from Sports Illustrated likes the idea of seeing Jones take a major role in his sixth season. Yes, he can do this even if Gilmore stays on the Patriots roster.

“Entering his sixth season in New England, Jones continues to be considered among the top slot corners in the NFL. As such, it is likely that he will continue to be a fixture in New England’s nickel and dime packages. Should he continue the trend of seeing the field for more than half of the Patriots’ defensive snaps, Jones might just be in line for a spot on the Pro Bowl roster, regardless of Gilmore’s status.”

Stephon Gilmore to beat his replacement

Jones and the entire secondary may have a better season in 2021. Head coach Bill Belichick worked on his front seven and these guys look really great. Dont’a Hightower is back again. He opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns. Kyle Van Noy spent a year with the Miami Dolphins and re-signed with the Patriots. Belichick added Davon Godchaux, Matthew Judon, Harry Anderson, and rookie defensive tackle Christian Barmore. Lawrence Guy returned to the team, too.

Belichick can get two great picks if he trades Gilmore. Maybe he will try to keep one of the best cornerbacks on the roster in 2021. Gilmore is an excellent player and Belichick built a strong team.