REPORT: Patriots May Have To Trade Stephon Gilmore

NFL analysts have a really good reason to believe that the New England Patriots plan to trade veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore in the next few months. The former Defensive Player of the Year is seeking a new deal with the team. He got some cash last year, but he wants more. Gilmore is not even in the top 5 best-paid cornerbacks in the league. He has a long list of accomplishments and the Patriots should probably consider giving him a better deal.

Will head coach Bill Belichick trade his All-Pro cornerback? It looks like the Patriots are trying to avoid this outcome. Belichick would love to keep Gilmore on the roster because the veteran has so much to offer. His veteran experience will help young players go through Belichick’s rulebook without any trouble.

Patriots may not trade Stephon Gilmore

The veteran was the first to fuel the fire. He skipped minicamp and may not join his teammates in training camp without inking a new deal with the team. Gilmore will get a base salary of $7.9 million in 2021. This is below the market value for a cornerback like him.

Things got a big messy in New England and the Patriots will have to make a decision.

Ben Volin of the Boston Globe says the negotiations between Gilmore and New England don’t seem tense at this point. Volin doesn’t believe the Patriots will show interest in trading the veteran cornerback.

The Patriots spent $175 million in contract guarantees in the offseason. Belichick reshaped the roster and his is building a championship-winning team. Trading his best defensive player at this point would make a big hole in his roster. Gilmore sustained a quad injury and missed a lot of time, but he is a key player in Belichick’s defense. The Patriots head coach appreciates his accomplishment and leadership skills. He will do his best to keep Gilmore on the field.

The Patriots will trade Gilmore only if contract negotiations go wrong. Hopefully, both parties will reach an agreement. Gilmore has to work with his new teammates and prepare for the upcoming season.