Stephon Gilmore Reflects on Tough Start with Patriots as He Seeks Right Fit for 2025 Season

Stephon Gilmore was traded to the New England Patriots in 2017 after playing five seasons for the Buffalo Bills.

Stephon Gilmore Reflects on Tough Start with Patriots as He Seeks Right Fit for 2025 Season

Stephon Gilmore (Image via Getty Images)

The move from one city to another, no matter how close the two are, is daunting for anyone. It’s more than losing a comfort space as one has to relearn aspects of adulting once again, start making friends and adapt into the new environments. Recently, former DPOY and one of the best cornerbacks of his time, Stephon Gilmore opened up about his initial struggles after being traded to the Patriots.

Stephon Gilmore, born in humble backgrounds of South Carolina, was drafted in 2012 by the Buffalo Bills. The Bills chose Gilmore with the 10th pick in 2012, making him the highest drafted SC Gamecock player since Dunta Robinson in 2004. Gilmore spent his first five years in the league with the Bills before being traded to the New England side in 2017.

Gilmore enjoyed arguably his best years in New England, winning his first and only ring in his first season. In 2019, he recorded 53 total tackles, including 44 on his own, and finished his career best in interceptions and passes defended. However, it was not all easy, as one might assume.

During a recent appearance on The Money Down Podcast, Stephon Gilmore reflected on his first days with the Patriots. Gilmore recalled that it didn’t take long for then Patriots HC Bill Belichick to work him.

He killed me one day, bro. It was when I first got there. I was pressed down on the receiver. It was a bunch route. …And I got picked. Bro, he killed me the next meeting. I almost cried, how he did me. I ain’t going to lie to you. I went to the bathroom, like man, bro. I can tell you one thing: I ain’t never got picked again after that.

In addition to Gilmore’s woes, the story also reflects Belichick’s approach to training and how unapologetic he can be. After all, Gilmore did acknowledge that the tutelage of Belichick allowed him to be one of the best cornerbacks of the past decade.

What’s next for Stephon Gilmore?

In 2021, Stephon Gilmore joined the Carolina Panthers after four years with the Patriots. In the following years, Gilmore donned three different outfits: Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, and Minnesota Vikings. Currently, he is a free agent.

Stephon Gilmore-2
Stephon Gilmore (Image via NBC News)

At 34, Gilmore isn’t ready to say goodbye to the sport yet. In the podcast, Gilmore claimed that he has still got some football left in him. He further stated that it is about finding the right fit for him, noting that ‘anywhere’ doesn’t work.

I want to play this year, it’s just got to be the right situation. It’s got to be the right situation for me. I’m not just gonna sign anywhere. … I still love the game. I still can contribute. It’s just got to be the right place.

While Gilmore remains a dependable veteran presence, he’s no longer viewed as a top-tier prospect. Last season, opposing quarterbacks targeted him 91 times as the primary defender in coverage, and he allowed a 60.4% completion rate. The completion rate is tied for just the 16th lowest among 32 defensive backs who faced at least 80 targets, according to TruMedia. He also gave up five touchdowns, his highest total since 2018 when he won the ring with the Patriots.

However, he tallied 56 tackles, eight pass breakups, and an interception for the Vikings last season, despite missing two games due to a hamstring injury. Although he might play in the upcoming season, it is highly unlikely that Gilmore might be awarded a long-term contract somewhere.

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