Patriots rumors: This Stephon Gilmore trade to Rams a win-win situation

The New England Patriots face a holdout from mandatory mini-camp of top cornerback and one of the league’s best, Stephon Gilmore.

Should the team not be able to resolve its differences with the star corner (or maybe even if they can), trading Gilmore to the Los Angeles Rams might just be positive for both teams.

The team can trade Gilmore in a win-win situation with the Rams and in return remedy a big deficiency on their offense, wide receiver. Just how could this work for both teams?

New England needs a No. 1 receiver as much as any other position on the squad. It’s a deficiency that was recognized and the team took measures to assist by signing Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne.

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But passing on the trade for Julio Jones has still left them lacking at the position. Interestingly, LA Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey is reportedly looking to recruit Gilmore to the Rams in the midst of this controversy.

What team couldn’t use a cornerback as good as Gilmore is? The answer is none. It would be a real plus for the Rams.

The New England Patriots trade Gilmore for a wide receiver

While losing your top corner is never a really good idea, the return it could bring, especially from a team like the Rams would be. Let’s explore this in more detail.

First, the Rams have a solid complement of receivers either of whom would qualify in this space as top receivers for whom to trade.

They would be Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. Either player would be the best receiver on the Patriots.

Kupp is entering his fifth year in the league and has caught over 90 receptions in the last two seasons.

In 2019 he caught 10 touchdowns but only three last season. He is perfect for New England’s needs. He is only 28 years old and in his prime.

Woods is an eight-year veteran entering his ninth season. woods caught 90 passes in each of the past two seasons, as well. Either would be just what the doctor ordered for the Patriots.

Now, while the cost is steep, would New England be able to withstand the loss of its best cornerback, Stephon Gilmore?

Depth at the corner could be better, no doubt. J.C. Jackson would be the team’s best yet some have criticized his coverage abilities.

Sorry, but logging nine interceptions more than makes up for any deficiencies there. One corner would be set at least for 2021.

Who would play the other spot? The best option from this vantage point would be to sign Richard Sherman, a free agent, and pay him to start. He’s entering his age 33 season. Not young.

Yet, Sherman has always been a favorite. He’s a winner and leader and he’d step right in and deliver for the Patriots. If this or a similar deal is made, make certain Sherman is ready to sign.

Otherwise, New England signed Jalen Mills from Philadelphia as a free agent. He’s a versatile player who could slot in at one of the starting corner positions.

Mills is entering his age 27 season and is a five-year veteran and is a pro. He logged 74 tackles and an interception last season. Why sign the guy if he can’t step right in?

In the slot is reliable if not spectacular Jonathan Jones. Jones is steady and could be counted on there. Backing up those three are questions. The biggest is Joejuan Williams.

Williams is a third-year corner/safety who as a second-round pick in 2019 has disappointed, to say the least. Not much should be expected there. Michael Jackson Sr. is also an option.

In addition, two rising undrafted free agents, D’Angelo Ross and Myles Bryant are waiting in the wings.

Ross is entering his age 25 season and is untested but has shown enough promise to be kept around.

The better option is Bryant who played in nine games for the team last season, is 23 years old, and while short of stature may be a solid backup.

Should the New England Patriots make this deal?

Is the corner room weaker without Gilmore? Without question it is. Can it do the job? It probably can with the additions up front on the defensive line and linebacking crew to assist with sacks.

But on offense, with either Kupp or Woods as the top receiver, they could field an almost totally new receiving and tight ends corps, huge upgrades over last season.

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It says here that if Kupp especially or Woods is available for Gilmore and maybe a lower draft pick if necessary, then the team should just go ahead and make the deal.

Then, they should sign Sherman to play corner and off they go. That’s the view from this vantage point.

Do you think such a deal is a good idea for the Patriots? We’d like to hear your views on this.

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