Gilmore Wants To Stay, What Kinda Deal Should The Patriots Offer?

The Patriots played with Gilmore's contract and now although he's expected to make $7 million, his cap hit is much more than that. Gilmore expressed his unhappiness and is holding out. Unlike N'keal Harry, Gilmore's presence actually matters to the team.

Gilmore is a top five, if not a not a top ten corner. Gilmore would be ranked top three but he's coming off a leg injury. There's gotta be some worry about how well he looks, especially after holding out thos spring.

Now everyone knows the Patriots tend to let people walk instead of paying them. Just look at Malcolm Butler a few short years ago. They let Butler walk and brought in Gilly. Butler has not produced anything close to his time with the Patriots.

Matt Dolloff of the Heavy wrote, "One contract comp that has been bandied about on Gilmore, which Fowler also referenced on 'SportsCenter,' is that of Darius Slay with the Eagles. He signed a three-year deal for up to $50.05 million, which included $30.05 million guaranteed (via Spotrac). Slay’s average earnings of $16.6 million ranks fourth in the NFL at the cornerback position."

That's too rich for the Patriots. A deal the Patriots might be willing to make is a three year, $34 million contract with $25 million guaranteed, and another $6 million in incentives  broken down to where he gets an extra $2 million each year he's a top ten corner. The incentives would be both due to Gilmore's recent injuries and his age. That would make it worth a 3 year, $40 million contract 

Gilmore has expressed interest in wanting to stay a member of the Patriots, probably because he knows the franchise knows how to use him. It allows him to be productive. So Gilmore is going to have to give a little if he wants to stay. Both sides are supposed to meet and try to get a deal done sometime before the season starts. Lord knows having Gilmore around, keeps the Patriots secondary elite, even if he's on the back end of his career.