With the current twist of fate concerning Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, it seems Brady took his success with him to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. At 2-5 and season all but lost after the Pats’ defeat against the Buffalo Bills, Bill Belichick should consider selling. Aside from the deal that sent Rob Gronkowski in the offseason, perhaps Bucs GM Jason Licht should call Belichick again. This time to take another heavy contract off his hands in 30-year old cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
A Case For Stephon Gilmore For The Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Why Gilmore? Since the Patriots are likely rebuilding and can use the depth, and the Buccaneers are in a win-now mentality with their short term investments in wide receiver Antonio Brown and running back Leonard Fournette. Gilmore is about a quality depth move for the secondary. A secondary that could use his leadership as a youthful squad. By dumping his salary, the Patriots save on his $17 million cap hit for 2021.
Win Now Theme For 2020 Season
Gilmore is coming off his monster 2019 year where he amassed a career-high 6 interceptions, 53 tackles, and matched his passed defended season-high of 20. They also happened to be the no. 1 ranked defense in the league. Their pass defense was only second to the San Francisco 49ers. He arrived in New England after playing five years with the Bills as their first-round selection in 2012. The corner should feel at home with Bucs DC Todd Bowles in his 3-4 since Belichick also runs the same type of defense in New England. Bucs head coach Bruce Arians said he’s open to possible trades as the team’s not known historically to do. Time to put your money where your mouth is, make Licht work and give up the high draft pick for Gilmore. At 25 career interceptions and 113 pass defenses through nine seasons, getting him makes you instant Super Bowl contenders.
