Stephon Gilmore continues to push for a new contract, but the standoff won’t keep him away from Foxborough. Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports (via Twitter) that the former Defensive Player of the Year reported to Gillette Stadium today. However, the veteran cornerback will temporarily sit on the PUP list.
We heard recently that the Patriots hadn’t made any progress on an extension with Gilmore. The cornerback previously hinted that he’d be satisfied with a simply bump in pay for the 2020 campaign, and some pundits believe the organization could find a compromise by offering Gilmore an incentive-based increase (similar to what they previously did with the likes of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski). Gilmore is presumably waiting for an offer that contains more guaranteed money, explaining why he skipped the team’s entire offseason program, including mandatory minicamp.
Gilmore, 31 in September, is set to make just $7MM in base salary this season after a chunk of his money was advanced in 2020. In terms of average annual value ($13MM), the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year ranks as just the 13th highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. At the time of signing, his five-year, $65MM deal was plenty. Since then, the former Bills first-round pick has performed as one of the game’s premier cover men.
There’s mutual interest in a longer arrangement, since Gilmore was a first-team All-Pro in 2018 and ’19.However, questions persist about last year’s torn quad. Either way, barring an unexpected development, it sounds like the defensive back will at least spend the 2021 season with New England.
Gilmore was one of a handful of Patriots players to land on PUP today. He’ll be joined by defensive tackle Byron Cowart, linebacker Terez Hall, tight end Dalton Keene, linebacker Brandon King, wideout Devin Smith, quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and linebacker Chase Winovich.
‘However, the veteran cornerback will temporarily sit on the PUP list.’
What’s the injury?
Stupidity
Hurt feelings…
Quad surgery
A way to save him the fines while they work out their differences.
They gave him a pay raise last year. And before that, they made him a top tier cornerback contract.
From Front Office NFL (2017)…
Gilmore wound up as the second highest-paid cornerback in this year’s free agent class with A.J. Bouye netting $500,000 more per season from Jacksonville. The former did get a far more secure and player-friendly contract, however. His $13-million average makes him the sixth highest-paid cornerback in the league (excluding Trumaine Johnson’s $16.7-million franchise tag).
He technically didn’t get a raise it was the pats giving him more of his contract early
Gilmore gladly accepted the bulk of his contract up front.
The Pat’s gave him an added amount in recent years essentially to reward him. Time’s up you are the end of the contract–honor your contract. I have enjoyed your play and hope you are back on the field soon.