Five-time Pro Bowler and former Dallas Cowboy Stephon Gilmore may reunite with the New England Patriots this offseason. According to a report, the former Defensive Player of the Year is open to a second stint with the team after they traded him in 2021 to the Carolina Panthers. The Patriots have a lot of holes to address before the season starts and one of them includes the cornerback position. New England will get their promising first-round cornerback, Christian Gonzalez from injury but they’ve lost a lot of players during the market.
They lost key players like J.C. Jackson and safeties Jalen Mills and Adrian Phillips so they don’t have much depth in their secondary. There are still other cornerback free agents available including Xavien Howard and Kristian Fulton who’s meeting with the Chargers this week. However, Gilmore is a veteran who knows the system and is open to all options this offseason, including going back to New England. He was signed on a huge contract by the Patriots in 2017, putting on an illustrious performance in those four seasons with them.
Gilmore continued to play well since leaving New England and at his age, should be a reason why he could go back as his career is winding down. He’s only missed one game throughout his two seasons with the Colts and Cowboys, and he’s still durable at the age of 34. The Patriots have about $50 million in salary cap space, so money isn’t an issue to bring in the veteran. Bringing someone like Gilmore would make a lot of sense for a team that lost most of its secondary players.
He would provide that veteran presence, especially an opportunity to mentor Gonzalez.
Five-Time Pro Bowler Stephon Gilmore May Reunite With New England Patriots
His Reunion Could Be Imminent
Given his success in New England, it’s no surprise that he wants to return and is open for a reunion. However, Gilmore expressed his desire to return to the Dallas Cowboys, boosting the team’s defense. Dallas is unlikely to bring Gilmore back for another season since they don’t have much space for him. This doesn’t include their financial situation, but with Trevon Diggs coming back from injury, it doesn’t seem likely.
Their other corner, DaRon Bland had an illustrious season last year so it seems like the Cowboys are sticking with those two starters. Gilmore had a bigger role with the team after Diggs went down with an injury. He played a full season with the team until he suffered an injury in a playoff loss against the Green Bay Packers. His experience could be a good deal for someone like Gonzalez who is still learning the game as he works his way back from injury.
It provides the same logic to Bland and, Diggs who is returning from injury as well. A source now says that the Cowboys want to sign Gilmore, but he’s open to any option. He’s still dealing with rehab from his shoulder injury so that may be why offers are slow going.
Other Potential Fits for Gilmore
While Dallas and New England remain interested, other teams are rumored to spark the same energy. The Los Angeles Chargers are one option if they want to bring Gilmore to provide that old-school style defense under Jim Harbaugh. The Chargers defense was one of the worst last season and Brandon Staley’s plan didn’t help. Kansas City is another potential destination after the rumors circulating their lockdown corner, L’Jarius Sneed’s trade may be coming.
The Chiefs would need another cornerback to replace Sneed if he leaves. Gilmore might be a downgrade, but his cost is high risk and low reward for a team that doesn’t have much cap space. A bonus for Gilmore is chasing after his second Super Bowl ring. The Saints are one last option if Gilmore wants to pair with Marson Lattimore in New Orleans.
This would bring post-Drew Brees Era excitement to a team’s defense after struggling to get back to a successful playoff season.
