The New England Patriots defense is on the upswing. The hiring of Mike Vrabel as the team’s head coach likely helps the defense become a hungry unit, and the fact that the Patriots spent more money than any other team in free agency, means that fresh bodies are coming in.
The signings of Milton Williams, Harold Landry III, Carlton Davis III, and Robert Spillane will be sure to improve a starting unit that allowed 24.5 points and 343.3 yards per game — both bottom-half of the league marks—in 2024. But business for the Patriots may not yet be concluded.
A former Patriot, who happens to also be a former Defensive Player of the Year, is still wandering the free-agent wilderness and has been linked with a return to New England. That player, of course, is veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
According to NESN’s Mike Rosenstein, a return isn’t out of the question for the two-time All-Pro cornerback. Rosenstein noted that a lot would need to happen for the opportunity to materialize, but if Gilmore could embrace a leadership role, it would become a possibility.
Mike Vrabel addresses media at a press conference to announce his hiring as the head coach of the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Mike Vrabel addresses media at a press conference to announce his hiring as the head coach of the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Eric Canha-Imagn Images
"A poor performance here, an injury there and it’s very possible a path back to the Patriots makes sense." Rosenstein writes. "Heck, if Gilmore is willing to embrace a limited role so he can tutor New England’s rising stars, who says you can’t go home?"
Gilmore spent the 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings, playing in 15 games while defending nine passes and snagging one interception. Before that, he bounced between the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, and Carolina Panthers in the last three years. It certainly should be said that Gilmore is now 34 and in his twilight years, but that hasn’t ruled out a return to the team where he spent four successful seasons.
The fact that Gilmore is still a free agent speaks volumes, but the veteran is still searching for a home. Speaking on the Money Down Podcast, Gilmore noted that the situation has to be right for him. "I want to play this year, it's just got to be the right situation," Gilmore said. "I'm not just gonna sign anywhere...I still love the game. I still can contribute. It's just got to be the right place."
And where seems more right for Gilmore than the place where he had the most success during his excellent career? The Patriots' cornerback depth is strong, with Christian Gonzalez, Davis III, and Marcus Jones projected to start, but if Gilmore can still go, his presence would likely be more than welcome.