This Lions-Patriots Trade for Stephon Gilmore Could Actually Work
By Michael Luciano
The New England Patriots could pivot from Super Bowl contender to non-playoff team in 2020 as they try to rebuild after Tom Brady's departure.
That rebuild could start by trading 2019 Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore, who could be on the block if he doesn't get a new contract.
The Detroit Lions, the No. 1 spot for former Patriots, could be one potential destination for the best corner in the game.
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
Detroit, a team with $31 million in cap space at the moments, could go one of two ways if they want to get a deal done. The riskier way is to trade the No. 3 overall pick in the draft for Gilmore straight up. It is widely expected that the Lions will take Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah with that selection, and trading that pick would guarantee Patricia one of the best defensive players in all of football, instead of the challenge that is developing a prize rookie.
If they want to hold onto the No. 3 pick, the Lions could unload the contract of former Patriot cornerback Justin Coleman, along with the No. 35 pick in this year's draft and a second-round pick in the following draft. Detroit could have one of the best secondaries in the league with Gilmore, Okudah, and Desmond Trufant if they swing this version of the deal.
Stephon Gilmore - punch up through the WR’s hands when they go up towards the catchpoint
— Brad Kelly (@BradKelly17) October 11, 2019
Best CB in football pic.twitter.com/CgYn842B7Z
Gilmore is a truly rare talent given his unmatched ability to break up passes and stick in man coverage. Patricia clearly doesn't have a better roster construction strategy than signing former Patriots he used to coach, so why not go all in and trade for Gilmore?