Everyone talks about the New England Patriots needing help at quarterback, receiver, and offensive tackle. And those holes certainly need to be filled.
But the Patriots also have an underrated need at cornerback despite using last year’s first-round pick on Christian Gonzalez. And a new report indicates old friend Stephon Gilmore could be an option.
NFL Free Agency Rumors: Stephon Gilmore Open to Patriots Reunion
Gilmore, who’ll turn 34 in September, is one of the top cornerbacks left on the open market. The veteran is coming off a solid season with the Dallas Cowboys, with whom Gilmore proved he is still capable of playing boundary corner in the NFL.
Gilmore began his career with the Buffalo Bills before signing with the Patriots in 2017. He enjoyed a fantastic four-year run in New England, including winning a Super Bowl in 2018 and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2019.
With injuries a concern, the Patriots traded Gilmore to the Carolina Panthers in 2021. After one season in Carolina, Gilmore signed with the Indianapolis Colts, who traded him to Dallas last offseason. So, he’s been around a bit during the final stage of his NFL career.
Despite how things ended with the Patriots, Gilmore hasn’t ruled out a return to New England, according to Karen Guregian of MassLive.
“A source told MassLive the veteran corner was open to all options, including another go-round with the Patriots,” Guregian wrote in a story published Tuesday.
Whether the interest is mutual remains unclear. Moreover, signing a player of Gilmore’s pedigree and age would be a curious move for a franchise seemingly entering a legitimate rebuild.
However, for multiple reasons, a Gilmore signing would make sense for the Patriots.
Why Patriots Should Consider Signing Gilmore
This might be a controversial take, but New England isn’t that far away from competing for a playoff spot. The defense, which spent most of last season with Gonzalez and Matthew Judon, should be even better in 2024, and the Patriots have the bones of a solid offensive line.
If the Patriots somehow get decent quarterback play, a capable left tackle, and a true top receiving option (all big “ifs”), they might return to relevance sooner than expected.
But again, they have an under-the-radar hole at cornerback.
Gonzalez looked like a future star before suffering a torn labrum and should pick up where he left off. But the rest of the depth chart is loaded with question marks.
Jack Jones ran his way out of town after multiple off-field issues, so he’s not an option. Jonathan Jones is a very good player, but he’s 30 years old and is better in the slot than he is on the outside, where he spent most of his time the last two seasons.
Talented third-year pro Marcus Jones missed nearly all of 2023 due to a torn labrum and is also unproven. He also profiles as a slot corner.
Of course, the Patriots could find a future No. 2 boundary corner in the 2024 NFL Draft. And there’s always the possibility of an unheralded youngster, like Isaiah Bolden, excelling in training camp and earning an increased role.
But Gilmore is a proven commodity, and he still has something left in the tank. He also knows what it takes to succeed in New England.
Lastly, there’s something to be said for pairing the 21-year-old Gonzalez with a veteran mentor like Gilmore, who doesn’t say much publicly but is a renowned leader behind the scenes. Gilmore could serve as de facto position and career coach for Gonzalez, who’s as young and inexperienced as he is freakishly talented.
With all that said, the Patriots probably aren’t Gilmore’s preferred landing spot.
Gilmore Wants To Re-Sign With Dallas Cowboys
Gilmore is on record as saying he wants to return to Dallas.
“I want to come back,” Gilmore said last month during a Dallas radio appearance. “We can’t talk until March. But that’s the goal, because I think we do have the pieces to get to where we want to go, and I want to be part of that.”
The Cowboys also should be interested in keeping Gilmore around.
Yes, Dallas has younger and better options at cornerback than Gilmore, who might be expensive. But he was a great depth piece in 2023, one who saw 94% of the defensive snaps as the Cowboys’ secondary endured multiple injuries. Gilmore finished the season with two interceptions, 13 pass breakups, and one forced fumble.
KEEP READING: Top Free Agent Cornerbacks 2024
If you’re into Pro Football Focus rankings, Gilmore graded as PFF’s 35th-ranked corner last season.
So, a new deal makes sense for both sides. But if the writing is on the wall for Gilmore in Dallas, don’t be surprised if his NFL story ends with a Patriots reunion.
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