Stephon Gilmore addresses future with Patriots, house listing
By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
For the past month or so, rumors have flown around surrounding Stephon Gilmore, his future with the Patriots, and even his living situation.
Because Gilmore was dealing with a knee injury, he didn’t speak with the media during that time. On Friday, he finally held a press availability, and answered some of the more pressing questions.
“I’m just enjoying the moment. I love being here, and I love the culture,” Gilmore told reporters. “So I’m happy that I’m a Patriot.”
That was part of his answer to a question regarding his future with the organization, after speculation he would be dealt at this year’s trade deadline.
“That’s a question you have to ask the organization,” he said, asked if he could see himself with the Patriots long-term. “The only thing I can do every day is just come to work and prepare and try to give it my best each and every week. Some stuff you can’t control in life, you just have to go out there and enjoy yourself.”
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There was also belief that Gilmore’s knee injury was a cover for him not playing leading up to and immediately after the trade deadline. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year addressed that rumor as well.
“I mean, you know, I wasn’t able to play. I wasn’t physically ready to play these last couple of weeks,” Gilmore explained. “Things happen. You have to adjust to it. Nothing would keep me off the field from playing with my teammates. That is one thing that stuck with me. So I’m just happy that I’m progressing and getting better and looking forward to this week.”
Gilmore also addressed putting his Foxborough home on the market, just days before the NFL trade deadline.
“I just wanted to move to the city. I like the city. So it’s a place I want to go. That’s why I made that decision.”
Gilmore’s future with the Patriots will be one of, if not the main story of the team’s offseason. The 30-year-old will be on the final year of his contract, and a trade would save the Patriots $10 million in cap space.
If Gilmore returns and plays well, his stock rises for a potential trade, and he can get more money signing and extension, either in New England or elsewhere. It’s a win-win for both sides as Gilmore remains focused on the here-and-now.
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Alex Barth is a writer and 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. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].