Stephon Gilmore is just one of those missing from action while reportedly aiming for a pay raise, but this isn’t the first time the Patriots cornerback has been in the headlines for an uncertain future in New England.
Why? Because the rubber doesn’t really meet the road until training camp in late July, when New England would be required to fine Gilmore $50,000 per daily absence, as The Athletic’s Jeff Howe notes.
With just over $16 million in 2021 salary cap space, the Patriots likely have the resources to accommodate Gilmore, who’s due just a $7 million base salary after taking advance payments on his current deal and is reportedly now seeking top-five CB money — something in the ballpark of Darius Slay’s three-year, $50 million extension with the Eagles.
The Pats have long been willing to part with top talents too early rather than too late, but Gilmore is still a central piece of their defense, which is built to be the strength of the team.
His situation, at least as a trade chip, isn’t entirely dissimilar to that of Julio Jones, who at 32 just went from the Falcons to the Titans for essentially a second- and fourth-round pick.
Peters, for reference, was also just 25 when he went to the Rams. Again, think multiple picks as the likeliest compensation for Gilmore: A first-rounder would be steep considering he’s set to be a free agent after 2021, but something like a second and a conditional third or fourth seems plausible.
And while they’ve invested plenty at corner, including with veteran Troy Hill and rookie Greg Newsome II, their secondary would hit another level with Gilmore as the lock-down No.
Indianapolis Colts: It’s tough to envision Chris Ballard giving up more picks after already trading for Carson Wentz, but now is the time to compete in Indy, where the team’s been assembled for a two-to-three-year title window.
Arizona Cardinals: Few teams are as enamored with paying older stars this offseason, and the Cards can’t be overly confident that Malcolm Butler and Darqueze Dennard will produce post-Patrick Peterson at corner.
Seattle Seahawks: Their cap space is tight, but they’re in win-now mode as usual, and they could use some CB help after losing Shaquill Griffin to the Jaguars.
Dallas Cowboys: They were frugal this offseason after ponying up the dough for Dak Prescott, and absorbing Gilmore and his contract demands would require some maneuvering.
Las Vegas Raiders: With just $3.9 million in cap space, this would require some serious financial finagling.