Report: Gilmore, Patriots working toward contract extension

New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) talks with a member of the Arizona Cardinals prior to the start of the game at Gillette Stadium. Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Stephon Gilmore, Patriots working toward contract extension

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated 7/8/21

Stephon Gilmore has yet to report to the New England Patriots this offseason, but there seems to be plenty of optimism surrounding the situation.

Gilmore, who is set to make less than $8 million this season, wants a new contract. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said on “SportsCenter” Thursday that the Patriots are open to giving him one. The two sides are expected to sit down before training camp in hopes of working out an extension.

Per @JFowlerESPN on SportsCenter:

The Patriots and Stephon Gilmore plan to sit down before training camp and potentially hammer out a deal. There hasn't been any trade traction around the league, because the Patriots didn't do enough to shore up the CB position.

— Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) July 8, 2021

There was talk early in the offseason that the Patriots wanted to trade Gilmore, but that was before they went on a free-agent spending spree. Now, the belief is that Bill Belichick is committed to contending in 2021, and it would be a lot tougher for New England to do that without Gilmore.

While Gilmore is coming off a significant quad injury, he’s still one of the best cornerbacks in football when healthy. At least one rival player has tried to recruit Gilmore, but all signs point to the Patriots doing what they can to keep him around.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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