The New England Patriots took the field for a very rainy and, at times, sloppy practice on Monday during mandatory minicamp. But as important as the work was on the field, one player’s absence may have been the biggest storyline.
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore, the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, skipped the first day of minicamp, a decision that is likely to result in a fine. Gilmore is likely discontent with his contract, which will pay him just $7.5 million in 2021, tied for the 25th-most among cornerbacks. The problem? Gilmore’s cap hit will be $16.3 million this season, which is the most among cornerbacks. That’s probably why the Patriots and Gilmore are having trouble finding a middle ground. That will be worth monitoring as he is their most important defensive player.
But let’s move onto practice, shall we? And, of course, let’s talk a lot about the quarterbacks, as this competition gets more interesting by the day.