What's everyone's beef with Gilmore?

Stephon Gilmore had a down year in 2020 but he wasn't the only one. J.C. Jackson also got beat by several receivers during the season. The secondary didn't play at the 2019 level but it was still good. Part of that which nobody's talking about, is because they didn't have a single linebacker from last year's elite core on the field. In fact, Pretty sure in 2020 there wasn't a single starting linebacker on the field from Gilmore's time in New England.

I've heard Patriots fans talk about the possibility of Gilmore sitting out because he wants to make over $10 million in 2021. Nick Villano of Musket Fire challenges that in his article about who the Patriots should cut.

Villano recently wrote, "Gilmore was pretty good in 2020, but far from dominant. Eight cornerbacks made the PFF’s top 101 in terms of grade. Gilmore was not one of them. Yet, his cap number is hitting more than $16 million..." If Villano is right, 16 is more than 10, it's more than 8, and it's. Ore than 6. All numbers I've heard Gilmore was supposed to make.

If Gilmore is getting that much, he's not sitting out. People have been wanting the Patriots to ditch Gilmore, because they got J.C. Jackson. I've watched Jackson play. He looks like an average to below average number one corner against number one receivers. Playing across from Gilmore has elevated his game, even a lower tier number one should dominate a number two pass catcher. That's what it looks like is happening with Jackson. His stats are getting inflated by Gilmore.

Unless the Patriots are planning on a full rebuild, they really cannot afford to get rid of Gilmore. However, If Bill were to trade him, not only should he want a pick but a former high round player that's not quite playing to the elite level expected. So Bill can try to strike lightning twice.

Villano mentioned cutting Gilmore. That's ludicrous. Belichick can get something via trade for him. The last thing Belichick would wanna do is allow anyone in the east to get him without strategically getting something in return. Kinda like what he did to Thomas, sending him to the Jets, or sending him away like he did with Jimmy G. when Cleveland wanted him. 

I understand there will be a time to move on from Gilmore, and if the right time comes, Belichick will take advantage. That time is not now. If things change this offseason than maybe but until then, the Patriots need Gilmore and we need to except it.