Stephon Gilmore Trade Could Be Shaped By Eagles Star’s Deal

NFL fans and analysts keep talking about Stephon Gilmore and his trade. The veteran cornerback has been linked to many trade rumors lately. These rumors won’t go away. We believe these rumors won’t go until Gilmore is traded or inks a contract extension with the team.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated has been talking about Gilmore’s trade for quite some time. According to some analysts, Gilmore’s star status suggests that he’s a draw for a first-round selection from coaches who need a cornerback. Let’s not forget that he is one of the best players at the position in the NFL.

Stephon Gilmore to give the Patriots a better trade option

Breer has something else to say. He doesn’t see Gilmore being worth a first-rounder.

In a recent edition on Monday Morning Quarterback, Breer discussed the dynamics surrounding a contract. He reminded us all of what the Detroit Lions got from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Darius Slay.

“Gilmore will turn 31 in September. He’s a great player. But I’m not sure a guy his age has ever, in 101 years of NFL football, fetched a first-round pick in a trade without being the guy with the ball in his hands on every offensive snap. It just doesn’t happen. That makes the value proposition for the Patriots clear: Do you keep one of the best players in football? Or deal him off for, say, what Darius Slay got for Detroit (third- and fifth-round picks)?

“That brings us to the next complication, which is the money. Slay’s new contract with the Eagles (three years, $50.5 million) was signed with Slay at about a year younger than Gilmore was, and as the third contract of Slay’s career, which is what Gilmore is pursuing now. It’s a credit to both that their value held that deep into their time as NFL corners. But history would tell you it won’t last a whole lot longer.”

Of course, Gilmore is much better than Slay. The Patriots may easily get more for him. However, getting a third and fifth-round pick seems like a good option at the moment. Sort of.

If the Lions got a third and a fifth-rounder, the Patriots should expect a better offer in return for their star cornerback.

Gilmore was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 and made the Pro Bowl last season. The veteran finished the regular season on injured reserve, but he will probably be 100% in September.