Bill Belichick didn’t entertain any trade offers for Stephon Gilmore
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Foxboro became one of the NFL’s most popular rumor mills ahead of the 2020 trade deadline, as the Patriots seemingly had elite (and possibly disgruntled) cornerback Stephon Gilmore on the trade block. But after a quiet deadline across the board – save for the Patriots’ own deal for wide receiver Isaiah Ford – it’s clear that most teams wanted to avoid major trades involving high-end assets.
In fact, Bill Belichick confirmed that the Patriots didn’t even get any offers for Gilmore worth entertaining. Asked if he did, the head coach responded “Not that I’m aware of.”
It’s possible that director of player personnel Nick Caserio heard offers. But ostensibly, nothing came in that was serious enough to reach Belichick’s desk.
![Bill Belichick said he wasn't aware of any trade offers for Stephon Gilmore. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2020/10/Stephon-Gilmore-Patriots-49ers-2-copy.jpg)
Bill Belichick said he wasn’t aware of any trade offers for Stephon Gilmore. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
There’s also the possibility that the Patriots priced themselves out of a Gilmore trade. ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported on Tuesday that the Pats’ asking price was a first-round pick and a player. Teams were hesitant to make even minor deals amid all the uncertainty about the cap and the 2021 draft as it relates to COVID-19 and the next league year. So it’s not terribly surprising that a deal like that never materialized.
Gilmore told ESPN’s Josina Anderson Tuesday that he has no thoughts on the trade deadline but feels “happy and blessed.” He also feels good health-wise after a bout with COVID.
MORE: Recapping moves at the 2020 NFL trade deadline
Alex Barth and I discussed the possibility of a Stephon Gilmore trade in last week’s Patriots podcast for 985TheSportsHub.com. We tend to agree that there’s a path for the Patriots to get similar, or perhaps even better, value for Gilmore if they traded him in the offseason rather than at the deadline. Have a listen below; the Gilmore stuff begins at 20:35.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff or send him a nasty email at [email protected].