Despite multiple efforts, Matthew Judon - the unofficial general manager 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 and Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore is set to sign a two-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts worth up to $23 million, with $14 million guaranteed.
While it's not exactly top of the cornerback market money, it's not bad for a man who won NFL Defensive Player of the Year back in 2019.
Gilmore joined the Patriots in 2017 after signing a, then record, five-year, $65 million free agent contract. This after spending five seasons in Buffalo after being drafted 10th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Especially during his time with the Patriots, Gilmore 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 LIII.
After his electric 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 pick to the Carolina Panthers last October.
Now Gilmore joins a team that barely missed the playoffs in 2021, and is re-tooling after moving on from quarterback Carson Wentz in favor of Matt Ryan. The Colts defeated the Patriots last December in Indianapolis, and will play them again in the 2022. This time, their matchup will take place in Foxborough.
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