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NFL free agency: Patriots expected to sign Stephon Gilmore

By Brad Berreman

Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) before a game against the New York Jets at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) before a game against the New York Jets at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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As if they need more talent, the New England Patriots are set to sign one of the top free agent cornerbacks.

Coming off a Super Bowl win, the New England Patriots enter free agency with the over $55 million in salary cap space (via Over the Cap). Some key internal free agents like linebacker Dont’a Hightower and cornerback Logan Ryan may or may not be brought back, but the Patriots aren’t known for making big money splashes in free agency for outside free agents.

This year, at least in one case, that seems set to change.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Patriots are expected to sign cornerback Stephon Gilmore. The Chicago Bears had been the team most consistently reported to be interested in Gilmore, but apparently the chance to win now took precedent. Previous reports suggested Gilmore wanted to become one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league, and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the Patriots are set to meet that asking price.

Gilmore spent the first five seasons of his career with the Buffalo Bills, making 66 starts with 14 interceptions. He earned the first Pro Bowl selection of his career last season, with a career-high five interceptions. Pro Football Focus ranked him just 61st out of 112 qualified corners in 2016, but Gilmore was still one of the top free agents at the position.

Gilmore’s signing means Ryan is as good as gone from New England. But unless a team signs Malcolm Butler to an offer sheet the Patriots won’t match, and thus be willing surrender a first-round pick, one of the top cornerback duos in the league will still reside in Foxboro.

Related Story: 2017 NFL Draft: New England Patriots seven-round mock

The Patriots may already be done making big moves in free agency, at least for anyone that is not a greatly known quantity to them. But the rich have gotten a bit richer, and an AFC East rival has been weakened.

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