This Raiders-Patriots Trade for Stephon Gilmore Could Actually Work
By Michael Luciano
The New England Patriots have one of the best defenses in all of football, but the departure of Tom Brady could force them to start selling off some of their individual stars as they shift to a retooling of sorts.
2019 Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore, considered by most to be the best cornerback in all of football, is in line for either a new contract or a trade based on the latest reports. If he is indeed on the market, Jon Gruden and the Las Vegas Raiders could fix their secondary woes by trading for the New England superstar
Certainly doing something with Gilmore should be on the table, too -- either a new extension, or a trade. https://t.co/STxo5vMNgb
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 25, 2020
Las Vegas' accumulation of draft picks has netted them two first rounders and three third rounders in 2020's showcase. The Raiders could part ways with either the No. 12 or No. 19 pick in this draft or send the Patriots two of their three third round picks in exchange for Gilmore.
The Raiders would love to find a way to get rid of the $11 million cap hit of wide receiver Tyrell Williams, and trading him to a New England team in need of wide receiver help could help Vegas kick him off the roster. It would also help the cash-strapped Raiders to free up the cap space to bring in Gilmore's $18.6 million cap hit next season.
This interception by Stephon Gilmore in the rain was pure insanity...
— King Brycen ? (@BrycenNFL) November 25, 2019
Best CB in the league. Period. ? @BumpNrunGilm0re pic.twitter.com/oru19chPsJ
The Raiders are in need of a superstar that will help announce their arrival in Las Vegas, and Gilmore leading the defense for a price that isn't exactly outrageous could be exactly what Gruden and Mike Mayock are looking for.