New England Patriots have a high asking price in potential Stephon Gilmore trade

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The 2020 NFL trade deadline is about to come and go within the hours. While there’s been some movement, star players have yet to find themselves dealt. That includes reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore.

There’s also seemingly good reason for this. The Patriots find themselves at 2-5 on the season and going nowhere fast. In no way does that mean they are willing to trade Gilmore for pennies on the dollar.

Patriots seeking first-round pick and a player in Stephon Gilmore trade

After speaking with a few GMs around the NFL, I've learned multiple teams who have called the Patriots about CB Stephon Gilmore were told by New England they want a first round pick and a player in exchange for the 2019 AP Defensive Player of the Year.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) November 3, 2020

That seems to be a mighty high asking price for a 30-year corner in Stephon Gilmore who is dealing with a knee injury that cost him last week’s game against the Buffalo Bills.

Gilmore is also set to count $17.17 million against the cap in 2021, the final year of his current contract. Add in those two factors, and it’s hard to imagine that the Patriots are going to be able to trade their star cornerback.

Stephon Gilmore stats

Aug 17, 2019; Nashville, TN, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) before the preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Last season saw the former Buffalo Bills first-round pick record 53 tackles while leading the NFL with 20 passes defended and six interceptions. This was good enough for Gilmore to yield a sub 50.0 passer rating when targeted.

We’re talking about a true shut down cornerback in a pass-heavy league. Needless to say, the Patriots are taking that into account when discussing a potential Stephon Gilmore trade.

Could things change for the Patriots?

It’s possible that the Patriots’ asking price will go down some. They are in need of draft pick capital as the team transitions from its dynastic years to retooling on the fly. Stephon Gilmore remains their best trade asset.

If that is indeed the case, contending teams such as the Packers, Colts and Browns could come calling. Obviously, we’ll have a real conclusion to Stephon Gilmore’s status within the next few hours.

For now, it’s a wait-and-see approach.