As the New England Patriots prepare for the offseason, one position silently poses a possible area of worry: cornerback, particularly the boundary cornerback spot after the departure of J.C. Jackson. While not as urgent a requirement as quarterback, tackle, or receiver, the Patriots could fill that gap with a familiar face.
The Patriots cannot manage another season of temporary fixes at cornerback. One possible solution lies in the return of former Patriot and defensive player of the year, Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore could act as a stabilizing force in the secondary while nurturing the growth of promising talents like Christian Gonzalez. The young cornerback has already been compared to Gilmore, making the veteran’s return even more appealing.
NBC Sports Boston Patriot Insider Tom E. Curran identified Gilmore as the obvious choice for the Patriots’ new boundary cornerback. “The easiest thing to do? Bring Stephon Gilmore back. Even at 34, he was still an upper-tier player in ’23 for the Cowboys,” Curran said in a March 6 article.
How Realistic is Bringing Back Gilmore?
Financially, the Patriots are well-prepared to accommodate Gilmore’s return, with projections indicating a one-year deal in the range of $7 million. Such a move would strengthen the cornerback position and provide valuable mentorship to the team’s young defensive backs.
Gilmore’s recent time with the Dallas Cowboys showcased his adaptability and dependability, even in an unexpected role as the team’s No. 2 cornerback following an injury to the Cowboys top CB, Trevon Diggs. However, Gilmore’s impressive tenure in Dallas may have made him too expensive for the Cowboys’ plans, paving the way for a possible reunion with the Patriots.
The Athletic’s Jeff Howe indicated that the Patriots were actively trying to trade for Gilmore before the start of the 2023 season when the Colts ultimately shipped Gilmore to Dallas. Gilmore was also very open to an extension with the Patriots before the 2021 season, so there has seemingly always been a mutual attraction between the two sides.
Other Impact Veterans Come With a High Price Tag at CB
Initially, L’Jarius Sneed emerged as a possible option to complement Christian Gonzalez, possibly forming a strong duo. Patriots Nation was excited at the thought of adding the two-time Super Bowl champ. However, hopes of acquiring Sneed were shattered when the Kansas City Chiefs placed the franchise tag on him. Despite reports of the Patriots inquiring about a trade, it seems the pursuit was more of a formality, given the high asking price that would involve giving up a valuable top-50 draft pick. Consequently, the Patriots must redirect their attention elsewhere.
With Sneed out of the picture, Gilmore presents a unique mix of familiarity, talent, and leadership that could strengthen the Patriots secondary. His potential return to New England signifies a strategic move to address a positional need and avoid the continuous temporary fixes required at the position in 2023.
Assessing the Current Patriots Secondary
The attention is now on Christian Gonzalez, who is expected to become the team’s main cornerback on the edge. Meanwhile, Jonathan Jones could stay on the outside or go back to the slot, with Myles Bryant‘s upcoming free agency adding more uncertainty. If Jones goes back to the slot, the Patriots need to find a new starting edge cornerback or add depth at that position.
Good morning Patriots fans ONLY. It’s almost game day and Jonathan Jones is BACK LFG!!!! #ForeverNE
pic.twitter.com/rDdUXTCdwK— Daniel (@TheDTSB) October 6, 2023
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The Patriots have a group of young players competing for the second or third edge cornerback position. Among them are Alex Austin, Shaun Wade, Marco Wilson, and Isaiah Bolden, each with potential. While these young players show promise, the Patriots might choose to strengthen the cornerback position with an experienced veteran.
In the offseason, the Patriots have to make a crucial decision at cornerback. Although there are several options, the idea of bringing back a proven playmaker like Gilmore could be too tempting to ignore, as New England looks to strengthen its defense and regain its status as a top team.
