Despite multiple efforts, Matthew Judon, the unofficial GM of the New England Patriots, was unable to recruit yet another coveted NFL free agent to Foxborough. In this case the player in question would have come back for a bit of a reunion, but that won’t be the case. Instead he’s headed to a conference rival. Who will face off against the Patriots yet again this season.
According to reports Friday morning, former Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore is set to sign a two year deal with the Indianapolis Colts. It’s a two year deal, $14 million guaranteed with a max value at $23 million. Not exactly top of the cornerback market money, but also not bad for a man who won NFL Defensive Player of the Year just back in 2019.
Gilmore was with the Patriots from 2017, after signing a then record five year $65 million free agent contract to join the Patriots from division foe Buffalo. During his time with the Pats Gilmore, aka “The Gilly Lock” earned a reputation as one of the top corners in the game with a knack for clutch plays at big moments.
Gilmore played in two Super Bowls with the Patriots, earning one ring in Super Bowl 53, which came with a nifty game sealing INT late in the fourth quarter. After his DPOY 2019 season Gilmore suffered a season ending quad injury that required surgery halfway through the 2020 campaign. That injury, coupled with a contractual stalemate over guaranteed money and a want for a new deal, effectively ended his tenure in New England. He was traded for a sixth round drat pick to the Carolina Panthers last October. In November he played against the Patriots, in a game the Pats ultimately won, picking off Mac Jones.
Now Gilmore joins a team that barely missed the playoffs in 2021 and is retooling (having shipped out QB Carson Wentz in favor of Matt Ryan). The Colts defeated the Pats last December in Indianapolis, and will play them again in the 2022, this time in Foxborough. Not exactly the return many in Pats Nation would have hoped for, but...it is what it is. Should make for compelling storylines and game action this season.
Looks like it’s back on the recruiting trail for Judon, who’s been very active on social media letting just about every high-end free agent know they’d be welcome in Foxborough. And looks like the Pats will be game prepping for one of the best to wear 24 to come back to Gillette, this time looking to pick off Mac Jones once again.
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