Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore said in January that he “wouldn’t want” the franchise tag, and with Wednesday’s deadline looming, he’s going to get his wish. There’s “no chance” the Bills will place the estimated $14.297MM tag on Gilmore, a league source told Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News. Barring a long-term agreement between the Bills and Gilmore by March 9, the 26-year-old will soon become one of the most sought-after players on this year’s open market.
With the Rams likely to tag Trumaine Johnson, Gilmore should join the Texans’ A.J. Bouye and the Patriots’ Logan Ryan as the top three corners available in the 2017 free agent class. Gilmore, who will turn 27 in September, is a five-year pro who started in each of his appearances (15) for the third straight season and notched a career-high five interceptions in 2016. However, after ranking as one of Pro Football Focus’ 10 best corners in 2015, Gilmore dropped to 61st (among 112 qualifiers) last season.
Since entering the NFL as a first-round pick in 2012, Gilmore has amassed 68 appearances, 66 starts and 14 picks. Gilmore’s track record should be enough to make him one of the league’s highest-paid corners, and with only around $21MM in cap space, the Bills will have difficulty retaining him. For his part, Gilmore seems open to staying in Buffalo, as he indicated last month that whether he will is “all up to” the Bills.
49ers pay this man
Cowboys pay the man
Do the Cowboys even have that much cap space? And they still have to think about saving cap for their O-linemen on rookie contracts as well as making sure they don’t get tied up into too many long term contracts that would prevent them from offering market value to Elliot and Prescott when they are due for extensions.
He can’t tackle. A softie.
No state tax and lots of sunshine in FLA. Need to come play in Miami for a team on the rise and enjoy kicking the Bills a– twice a year.
Phins
Come get reacquainted with your old d.coordinator Jim Schwartz in Philly.
Gilmore-McLeod-Jenkins-Draft pick/Mills,with our front 7 and Schwartz could make for a nice combination.