Stephon Gilmore Says He Wants To Be Paid What He’s Worth, No Plans To Request Trade

Patriots CB Stephon Gilmore tells Josina Anderson that he’s looking to be paid what he’s worth, but has no plans to request a trade out of New England.  

“I just want what I’m worth, however that plays out,” Gilmore said. “Every player should be paid what they’re worth. That’s just how it is.”

“Hopefully we can find some common ground and get it situated. I just know what I bring to the table and my style of play. Right now, I’m just trying to focus on myself and make sure I’m good mentally and physically.”

Gilmore underwent offseason surgery to repair a partially torn quad, but it sounds like he’s getting closer to full health. 

“I feel stronger than I’ve ever felt since the surgery. I’ve been running a lot, building full speed,” Gilmore said.

When asked about being ready in time for the start of training camp, Gilmore said: “We’ll see; if I need to be. But I also don’t want to push it.”

Jeremy Fowler reported last week that Gilmore doesn’t expect his contract situation with the team to end in a trade. 

Fowler expects things to heat up between the two sides sometime before the start of training camp at the end of the month, per Tim Daniels.

“The Patriots and Gilmore know they can intensify contract talks sometime in the next few weeks. And I’m told that Gilmore has largely not expected to be traded throughout this process because he knows the Patriots have made moves with Gilmore in mind. They haven’t gotten a cornerback to replace him. And as one source told me, ‘Do the Patriots really want to go into Week 4 against Tom Brady without their top cornerback?’ And so things are slow right now, but I expect those sides to ramp up negotiations sometime before training camp.”

Gilmore held out of mandatory minicamp to make a point about his contract. He’s due just $7 million in 2021 and is seeking a raise after winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2019.

Gilmore came up as a potential trade candidate at the deadline last year, but the Patriots ultimately held on to him.

Gilmore, 30, was taken with the No. 10 overall pick by the Bills back in 2012. He played out his rookie contract, but the Bills elected to pick up his fifth-year option for the 2016 season.

Gilmore would later depart for a five-year, $65 million contract that includes $31 million guaranteed with the Patriots. He stands to make a base salary of $7 million in 2021.

In 2020, Gilmore appeared in 11 games for the Patriots and recorded 37 tackles, one interception, a forced fumble and three passes defended.

We’ll have more on Gilmore as the news is available.