Patriots

Cornerback Stephon Gilmore is “open to all options, including another go-round with the Patriots,” MassLive’s Karen Guregian reported via a league source. 

The first wave of free agency passed over the Patriots organization last week, causing only a ripple on the trade market. 

All signs pointed toward an offseason of splashy moves, especially since the Patriots still have $43 million in total cap space remaining, according to Spotrac. Instead, de facto GM Eliot Wolf and new head coach Jerod Mayo have taken a more conservative approach to free agency. Their strategy thus far has largely relied on re-signing younger talent in the hopes of developing them further — the “home grown” approach, if you will. 

That is, until they signed former Patriots backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett. 

Brissett, who was picked No. 91 overall by New England in the 2016 NFL Draft, re-signed with the team after they cut ties with Mac Jones early last week. The 31-year-old spent just a year with the Patriots, being mentored by Tom Brady and learning “the Patriot way.”

Now, Wolf and Mayo could opt to bring another veteran player back to New England for another stint. 

Stephon Gilmore, the 33-year-old cornerback who remains one of the top available free agents, said he was “open to all options, including another go-round with the Patriots,” according to MassLive’s Karen Guregian per a league source. 

The 2019 All Defensive Player of the Year Award winner played for New England from 2017-2019, earning numerous accolades including being a part of the Super Bowl LIII winning team. 

Last season with the Cowboys, Gilmore helped mentor 2023 interceptions leader DaRon Bland while simultaneously playing all 17 games. He totaled 68 tackles, 13 passes defended, and two interceptions for the year — proving he can be an asset to his future team on and off the field. 

While the secondary is one of New England’s few strong points, a reunion with Gilmore could benefit a relatively young roster. Adding a player that can help develop young talent like Christian Gonzalez, as well as add depth, could be a smart deal if the price is right.