Patriots: 3 players New England could include in Julio Jones trade
By Jerry Trotta
1. Stephon Gilmore
You might be thinking, “Why on earth would the Falcons want an aging cornerback in Stephon Gilmore?” We hear that, but as long as Matt Ryan is their quarterback, they really have no incentive to blow up the roster and start from scratch.
In other words, they should have no qualms with acquiring Gilmore, who would fill a massive need in Atlanta’s defense (especially their secondary), which ranked dead-last in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game last season with 293.6.
Gilmore’s contract makes him an ideal trade candidate and his future with the Patriots has looked murky for the last two offseasons. As we know, the two-time All-Pro is slated to make just $7.3 million in the final year of his deal, meaning the Patriots will have to either give him another raise like they did last offseason or sign him to a new extension.
Stephon Gilmore is currently the Patriots ‘most intriguing trade chip.
While New England has the requisite cap space to exercise either of those two options, trading Gilmore to bolster arguably the weakest component of the roster should be a no-brainer for the front office, especially considering his recent injury history.
It won’t be easy for Patriots fans to part ways with Gilmore, but they’d be hard-pressed to deny that he’s their most compelling trade chip. Because of that, the nine-year pro will most likely be the first player the Falcons demand in return for Jones.
