Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore is taking part in the team’s mandatory minicamp this week after sitting out OTAs earlier in the offseason.
Gilmore’s absence from these previous team activities was rooted in a contract stalemate between himself and the team.
Gilmore, 25, is set to make over $11 million 2016 after Buffalo picked up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal. The former first-round pick is coming off a 2015 campaign that saw him record 36 tackles, three interceptions and 18 passes defended.
As one of the top players on a talented defense, Gilmore’s importance to this unit cannot be overstated. Despite this, the Bills have yet to offer him a long-term deal that’s to his liking.
In this, it appears that Gilmore remains a bit upset over the lack of progression on an extension.
I'm just here so I won't get fined 😏
— The Gilly Lock (@BumpNrunGilm0re) June 13, 2016
Considering this week’s minicamp is mandatory, Gilmore would have been fined if he had decided to sit out. As evidenced by this tweet, it’s readily apparent the young cover guy isn’t happy about his current situation.
As Buffalo looks to improve off what was a disappointing performance from its defense a season ago, having Gilmore fully committed to what Rex Ryan is building will be huge moving forward.
More than that, this is a situation that could get even uglier moving forward. Should the Bills fail to offer Gilmore a contract that he deems is worthy of his value, there’s a chance we could see further issues following the 2016 season.