Patriots: 3 likeliest replacements for star corner Stephon Gilmore
By Mike Luciano
2. Gareon Conley
Conley, currently a free agent, is a former first-round pick out of Ohio State, a team that generally has a solid history with developing NFL talent at this position. Unfortunately, in his 2.5 seasons with the then-Oakland Raiders, he never got on Jon Gruden’s good side, and that prompted a move to the Houston Texans.
Conley didn’t play in 2020 due to injury, but there is reason to believe that his NFL career is far from over. Still a quality athlete just a few years out from being drafted, Conley could start his career back up again if he makes the switch to New England.
Gareon Conley could turn things around with the Patriots.
Conley picked off four passes in 20 starts with the Raiders, and he spent the last two years in a Houston defense that made all of their defensive backs look bad. Say what you will about his prowess, but he can cause turnovers, and being able to do that will win you some brownie points with a coach like Belichick.
As good as Gilmore was in Buffalo, he was nowhere near close to the game-changer he became in New England. If Belichick can get some of Gilmore’s secret stuff to Conley, his natural ability will finally be shown off in a defense with some unity and cohesion, which could help minimize the forthcoming potential loss.