Should Patriots Sign Stephon Gilmore as Christian Gonzalez Mentor?
FOXBORO — During his four seasons with the New England Patriots, free agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore was both highly praised and accordingly decorated.
The Rock Hill, SC native was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 after leading the league with six interceptions and 20 passes-defensed. He also extended his Pro Bowl selections to four, received two first-team All-Pro selections, and was a member of the team that won a Super Bowl title in Super Bowl LIII.
Given his previous success in New England, it comes as little surprise that Gilmore may reportedly be “open” to a return to Pats, as he continues to mull his options on the free agent market.
"While Stephon Gilmore’s stated preference is to return to the Dallas Cowboys, where he provided a much-needed boost for Jerry Jones’ defense last season, a source told MassLive the veteran corner was open to all options, including another go-round with the Patriots," wrote Patriots insider Karen Guregian.
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore surrounded by New England Patriots reporters during 2017 training camp.
Cred: Steve Balestrieri, PatsFans Images
While the Pats would unquestionably welcome the prowess Gilmore can still bring to the field, his experience and veteran presence — two attributes he brought to the Dallas Cowboys last season — could play an influential role in the development of second-year cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
Appearing in all 17 games for Dallas last season, Gilmore finished the campaign with 68 total tackles, 13 passes-defensed, two interceptions and one forced fumble. While those numbers may not have illuminated the Cowboys team stat sheet, Gilmore’s contributions to the team were as much about leadership as on-field ability.
Having been acquired from the Indianapolis Colts via trade (in exchange for a compensatory fifth round selection) in March 2023, Gilmore was expected to serve as an experienced presence in the Cowboys secondary opposite top cornerback Trevon Diggs. Unfortunately, an ACL tear during one-on-one practice drills in September put an abrupt end to Diggs’ season. Accordingly, Gilmore was once again thrust into a prominent role in helping to keep Dallas’ cornerback room focused.
Despite still having the talent to lead the Cowboys’ secondary, second-year cornerback DaRon Bland emerged as their primary option at the position, breaking up 15 passes and leading the NFL with nine interceptions. taking on Diggs’ aggressive play style in the secondary. Bland has since praised Gilmore’s willingness to lend insight as a key factor in his ascension to the NFC’s upper echelon of defensive backs.
As he did with Bland, so may Gilmore have the chance to do the same for Gonzalez.
After being selected No. 17 overall but the Pats in 2023, Gonzalez was off to a stellar start to his pro career, earning defensive rookie of the month honors for September. Unfortunately, his rookie campaign was cut short after jamming his shoulder in a tackle attempt. The Oregon product was confirmed to have suffered a torn shoulder labrum, for which he underwent offseason surgery to repair.
In just three games (and approximately one quarter of play against Dallas,) Gonzalez earned 17 total tackles, three passes defensed, one interception and a Week 1 sack of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback on a corner blitz. Perhaps most importantly, Gonzalez was credited with allowing only 11 catches on 20 targets for 124 yards and zero touchdowns.
Even at age 33, Gilmore has been among the top players at his position for several years. The former South Carolina standout spent his first five seasons with the Buffalo Bills, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2016. However, Gilmore developed into an elite defensive back after signing a lucrative free-agent deal with the Patriots in 2017.
Gilmore was traded to the Carolina Panthers in Oct. 2021, where he received a fifth Pro Bowl selection. He signed with Indianapolis prior to the start of the 2022 season. Though he took a bit of a statistical dip from his days in New England, Gilmore finished his only season with the Colts having compiled 66 total tackles, 11 passes-defensed and two interceptions.
Though his on-field skills, along with his leadership abilities, should make him a strong consideration for the Pats in the coming days, the “Gilly Lock” aura would still look great for any team in need of solid veteran presence in the secondary.
At the risk of sounding biased, none better than in Foxboro for a second tour of duty.
