Stephon Gilmore is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, but his tenure in New England should come to an end by the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, November 3rd.
No, this does not mean the Patriots are “tanking” or punting on the season. It just means that the Patriots should take advantage of an opportunity to gain some important future draft capital. The Patriots strongest positional group is their secondary. Between J.C. Jackson, Jonathan Jones, Jason McCourty, and Joejuan Williams at cornerback, the Patriots should have enough to be representative in the secondary. Gilmore is certainly an important piece of the secondary, but they should prepare for life without Gilmore.
Gilmore is signed through the 2021 season, but now is a perfect opportunity to move on from the 30-year-old. He has a cap hit of $17 million next season, and will surely want a raise and or contract extension. The chances of Bill Belichick giving Gilmore a raise in two consecutive years seems very unlikely. On top of the fact, that his play has certainly dipped this season. According to pro football focus, J.C. Jackson has had a better 2020 campaign to this point, then Stephon Gilmore.
Bill Belichick is famously known for getting rid of a player one year early, rather than one year late, and this could be the case for Gilmore. Moving on from a star defensive player in-season, is not necessarily uncharacteristic for the Patriots. They moved on from Jamie Collins in 2016, dealing the linebacker for a mid-round draft pick. The move came as a surprise to many, as the Patriots had a 7-1 record when the trade was made.
Now, obviously the Patriots are not 7-1, and unlike the last two decades, they do not have a strangle-hold on the AFC East. Instead, the Patriots have lost three games in a row, and currently sit with a record of 2-4.
Moving on from Gilmore could also wake the locker room up. For the past few games, it’s been evident that the Patriots effort level has not been there. A lot of missed tackles, guys in the wrong spots, that needs to change. Moving on from Gilmore could give this Patriots team a reality check, and a much needed wake up call.
Now, what would a realistic trade return for Stephon Gilmore entail?
Unfortunately, due to Gilmore’s age and contract, it’s very unlikely that the Patriots will receive a 1st-round pick for him. But, a 2nd-round pick for the three-time pro bowler seems plausible.
Luckily for the Patriots, many teams that are in Super Bowl contention could use an upgrade at cornerback. Whether it’s the Titans, Saints, 49ers, or Seahawks. Each of these teams would truly benefit Gilmore’s services.
Stephon Gilmore was arguably one of the best free agent signings of the Bill Belichick era. But, the Patriots have an opportunity to get some much needed draft capital, and at this point in time, it’s tough to pass up on.
