The New England Patriots once again pull a surprise out of nowhere and sign one of the top cornerbacks in the 2017 NFL free agency class by agreeing to a deal with former Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore. The Bills made a few minor moves including the signing of an offensive lineman and restructuring the contract for Tyrod Taylor but nothing for Gilmore.
The Bears were viewed by some to be favorite but the reigning Super Bowl champions swooped in and snatched the defensive back. They also surprised some yesterday by trading for Colts tight end Dwayne Allen. The acquisition of Gilmore could also mean the end for Logan Ryan or Malcolm Butler in New England.
Adam Schefter of ESPN and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network have the details of the Patriots signing Stephon Gilmore.
Bills free agent CB Stephon Gilmore expects to sign with New England barring any final snags, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017
The expected price tag for free agent CB Stephon Gilmore for the #Patriots is slated to eclipse $14M per year, I’m told. Hefty but worth it
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
Gilmore, 26, was taken with the No. 10 overall pick by the Bills back in 2012. In 2016, Gilmore appeared in 15 games and recorded 48 tackles, five interceptions, and 12 pass defenses for the Bills. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 61 cornerback out of 112 qualifying players at his position.
