New England Patriots Sign Stephon Gilmore to Massive Contract

The New England Patriots have signed former Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore to a five-year, $65 million deal. $40 million of that money is guaranteed.

The $40 million in guaranteed money is the most money ever given to a defense player by the New England Patriots. That includes players such as Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison, Ty Law and many other former Patriot greats.

Gilmore had a career year in 2016 with the Bills. He recorded five interceptions and 48 tackles, his second best of his career. He was also an impressive coverage corner with Buffalo. Gilmore was able to shut down big-name receivers such as Michael Crabtree and Antonio Brown during the season.

Gilmore will be entering his sixth season in the league and his first in New England. The Bills drafted him in the first round (10th overall) in the 2012 NFL Draft out of South Carolina. In his three seasons with the Gamecocks, he recorded 181 total tackles, seven sacks and eight interceptions. He also recorded a career-high 61 tackles his rookie season.

Gilmore will be another big addition to the Pats powerful defense. This move could be coming as the Pats look to trade Super Bowl XLIX hero Malcolm Butler. They’re looking to trade him to the New Orleans Saints for wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Gilmore would be a perfect replacement for him.

The Patriots are coming off a Super Bowl win over the Atlanta Falcons. They overcame a 28-3 third quarter deficit and a 19 point deficit headed to the fourth quarter to force overtime.

Next: 5 Reasons Why Pats Can Repeat as Champs

In overtime, running back James White scored the game winning touchdown to give New England their fifth title. They are currently the Vegas favorite to repeat as Super Bowl champions. Super Bowl LII is set to be played at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018. Gilmore might have some big shoes to fill if Butler leaves. However, he is certainly a talented player.