With Cam Newton and the New England Patriots facing an uncertain future, the quarterback has rightfully dominated conversations lately. But New England’s best player, Stephon Gilmore, has a similarly complicated situation with the Patriots.
Gilmore is set to earn just $7.5 million in new money in 2021. That puts him as the 22nd-highest earner at his position in total cash for that season. Peers like Tre’Davious White ($18.25 million), Marlon Humphrey ($18.24) and Jalen Ramsey ($17.5 million) will earn more than double what Gilmore gets. It’s not exactly unfair. This is the contract Gilmore decided to sign. But it’s not really fair, either.
The Patriots seemed to recognize that Gilmore’s value overtly exceeded his earnings in 2020, which is why they boosted his pay by restructuring his contract to give him an $8.5 million bonus this season. But that came after Bill Belichick shopped Gilmore on the trade market, per MMQB’s Albert Breer. The trade rumors didn’t stop in August. Gilmore’s house was on the market, with offers due on the same day as the NFL trade deadline.
So with Gilmore, there are so many questions.