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NFL free agency 2017: Five players whose value could skyrocket

By Matt Verderame

Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones (95) points during the first half of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones (95) points during the first half of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) goes off the field with a trainer after being injured during the second half against the Houston Texans at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beats Houston 30 to 21. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) goes off the field with a trainer after being injured during the second half against the Houston Texans at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beats Houston 30 to 21. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

The Buffalo Bills selected Stephon Gilmore with the 10th-overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft and to this point, have gotten uneven results. Gilmore has been terrific at times, playing like a top corner. At others, he has been hurt and inconsistent, getting beat by some of the better receivers in the game.

However, the NFL is in dire need of good cornerbacks in the game today and Gilmore is a youngster with talent. He has nine interceptions in his four-year career and has shown the ability to play in a variety of different defenses. After watching Janoris Jenkins get a deal worth more than $60 million and Byron Maxwell cash in for $63 million in 2015, Gilmore has to feel like one great season could get him paid in a major way.

Should Gilmore have that type of season, there is a legitimate chance he gets out of Buffalo. The Bills were thrilled with the play of rookie cornerback Ronald Darby last year, perhaps the most impressive first-year corner this side of Marcus Peters.

Gilmore might be too expensive for the blood of general manager Doug Whaley if he views Gilmore as a second corner in comparison to Darby, who is on an inexpensive rookie deal through the 2018 season.

Next: 4. Brandon Marshall

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