Teammates Supporting Stephon Gilmore's Decision to Hold Out

Stephon Gilmore, the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, is holding out from the New England Patriots mandatory minicamp as he’s in the final year of his deal. 

Gilmore signed a five-year, $65 million deal with the Patriots and has gone above and beyond expectations, but since he’s due just $7 million in 2021, he’s holding out for a new deal. 

It makes sense for Gilmore, who is recovering from a quad injury he suffered last season. Despite not having their star defender at minicamp, Gilmore’s teammates were supportive of his decision. 

"I support my brother. I wish he was here, but I support him all the same," Adrian Phillips said. "What he has going, whenever he gets back here, he'll let you know how it went."

The Patriots will need Gilmore if they want to improve on last season’s 7-9 record. The Pats added a bunch of weapons on offense, including tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, but Gilmore is a major part of what has made New England’s defense one of the best units in the league the past few seasons. 

"That's a situation I don't want to get too far into, because it's frankly none of my business,” Matthew Slater said. “Obviously you support all your teammates, whether they are here or not."

WynnBET has the Patriots projected to finish in second in the AFC East this season. New England has slightly better odds (+320) to win the division than the Miami Dolphins (+340), but they’ll need more out of the quarterback position in 2021. 

Whether it is Cam Newton, Mac Jones, or Jarrett Stidham at quarterback (it’ll most likely be Newton) in Week 1, the Patriots will likely hold their hat on the defensive side of the ball. 

If they aren’t careful with the Gilmore contract talks, Jalen Ramsey is already trying to bring the star corner to the Los Angeles Rams.

What a duo that would be for Los Angeles. 

Gilmore is getting up there in age, but he’s still one of the league’s best shutdown corners. If the Patriots are serious about contending this season, they’ll make sure he’s on the roster and at least in training camp for the 2021 season.