Despite having a career year, the Buffalo Bills have no intentions to place the franchise tag on cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
Back in 2012, former South Carolina Gamecock Stephon Gilmore was selected with the tenth overall pick of the NFL Draft. Whenever an athlete is picked that high in the draft, expectations are going to be very high.
However, after Gilmore’s first four seasons, he failed to quite live up to expectations. This isn’t to say his play was poor, but fans and media alike just expected much more. Nonetheless, Gilmore silenced tons of critics this past season, as he totaled 48 tackles, 12 passes defended and five interceptions (career-high).
Although Gilmore is fresh off a career year, it still may not be enough for Bills brass to keep him around, even for the near future. Buffalo could very well use their franchise tag on the 26-year-old, but it doesn’t seem like that’ll be the case.
According to the Buffalo News, there’s no chance the Bills will use their franchise tag on Gilmore.
At the Pro Bowl, Gilmore was asked about his future in Buffalo and he had this to say.
"“They seem like they’re going to turn it around out there, but … I don’t know what’s going to happen,” he said. “They got a decision to make.”"
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If Gilmore and the Bills are unable to reach a deal by March 9, he would hit the open market. With today’s league completely being a pass-happy league, there would surely be multiple suitors lining up for Gilmore’s services within the coming weeks.
In case of a complete change of heart, it’s important to note Gilmore would be owed roughly $15 million next season if Buffalo decided to franchise tag the defensive back.
Buffalo is on the clock.