Training camp is right around the corner for the New England Patriots, as rookies report to Gillette Stadium on July 19, with veterans joining in on July 22.
Head coach Mike Vrabel is in the building and looks to rebuild this organization back to respectability. They made a ton of moves in both free agency and the NFL draft, but that doesn't mean they couldn't add more talent to the roster.
There are several former Patriots on the open market, and CB Stephon Gilmore is looking to get back on a team. And New England should consider it.
Patriots Should Look Into Reuniting With Stephon Gilmore
During an appearance on The Money Down podcast, Gilmore said, “It’s got to be the right situation. You know what I’m saying? It’s got to be the right situation for me. You know what I’m saying? I’m not just going to sign anywhere, so it’s got to be the right situation. I still love the game. I still can contribute. It’s just got to be the right place.”
Although Gilmore will turn 35 years old in September, he can still be a productive player in this league. Last season with the Minnesota Vikings, he had 56 total tackles, nine pass breakups, and one interception. In addition, he finished with a 63.9 overall grade (93rd among 222 graded cornerbacks).
The last time Gilmore played for New England came in 2020, and he logged four total seasons with them (2017-2020). In that stretch, he was a two-time First Team All-Pro, three-time Pro Bowler, and NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Gilmore racked up 185 total tackles, 52 pass deflections, and 11 picks in 56 games with the Pats.
We know he's no longer in his prime, but he could still be a nice addition to the secondary. The Patriots will start Carlton Davis and Christian Gonzalez on the boundaries with Marcus Jones in the slot. At safety, Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger will also be starters. They are better at these stages in their careers, and that's fine, but the knowledge Gilmore could bring to the secondary would be huge.
Whether he's a reserve cornerback or transitions to safety to give them more flexibility to use three safety looks, it would be a nice addition at this portion of the offseason.
It's not often you can add a player with the resume that Gilmore has to this team. Some of his best days in the NFL came in New England, and if they could find a role for him, he would be a sound acquisition. He wants to land in the ideal situation, and that could be with the Patriots.