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Patriots 2021 defensive backfield playbook: Who stays, who goes

By Michael DeVito

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 10: Myles Bryant #41 of the New England Patriots intercepts a pass during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on December 10, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 10: Myles Bryant #41 of the New England Patriots intercepts a pass during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on December 10, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots
Stephon Gilmore New England Patriots (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

New England Patriots Cornerback Stephon Gilmore

Rumors abounded at the trade dealing that New England Patriots super cornerback Stephon Gilmore, one of the top NFL cornerbacks may have been on the trading block. Helping to possibly fuel those suspicions, it was reported that Gilmore had put his house on the market.

Gilmore is an All-Pro-level cornerback but his cap hit as he enters his age 31 season and 10th year in the league is certainly lofty at $15,014,584.

Gilmore had a less-than-stellar 2020 playing only 11 games due to injury with his interception total dropping from six in 2020 to one last season.

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With J.C. Jackson exhibiting Pro Bowl talent on the other side, the question can legitimately be asked if it may be time to trade the All-Pro Gilmore. A team or two may feel they are on the cusp of a deep playoff run and may be willing to trade a really good player and/or draft picks to fill a more urgent need(s) for New England.

It has been made quite clear in these pages that with the Patriots dismal draft history in mind, a proven player who fits a need like a top-flight wide receiver or tight end might be a great exchange for both teams. It is definitely worth considering due to the financials.

Cutting ties with Gilmore would gain the Patriots $7,343,750 in cap space while still saddling them ostensibly with $8.92 million in dead cap money. That notwithstanding, the nearly $7.5 million in cap space could certainly be utilized in any number of areas of greater need that abound on the club.

While sending out an All-Pro caliber player at any time (even after a down season) is risky business, the New England Patriots are in need not just of a makeover, but a complete remodeling. Post-Tom Brady, their club is going nowhere in a hurry.

So while it may hurt, having cornerback Jackson in the fold (more of his status as a restricted free agent later), is a good place to be. The Brady fiasco necessitates a complete reconstruction of this team.

Tough choices need to be made. This is one of them.

Stephon Gilmore goes in a trade.

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