Adam Schefter is reporting that former Buffalo Bills No. 1 corner will be signing with the New England Patriots tomorrow, barring any unforeseen setbacks.
Gilmore was selected 10th overall by the Bills in the 2012 NFL Draft. He’s been a steady piece of the Bills defensive backfield ever since. He’s tallied 14 interceptions over the years in Buffalo, which ranks him 12th among defensive players during that stretch.
Gilmore wanted to be paid like the top corner he is and made that known. The Bills did not have the appetite for that kind of money—deciding not to extend or place the franchise tag on him. The franchise tag would’ve cost $14,212,000, and taken up a large chunk of the Bills limited cap space. Ian Rapport is reporting that New England is willing to pay Gilmore close to that much; over $14 million.
It should not come as a shock to Bills fans that the Gilmore is leaving. It was foreboding that the Bills never reached an agreement on an extension during last offseason or this past season. The decision to not franchise tag Gilmore made it all but certain the Bills would not have him in their secondary. Head Coach Sean McDermott made a similar decision last offseason as the Carolina Panthers Defensive Coordinator when they decided to let Josh Norman walk.
Bills fans will likely be happy to see him go but somewhat scared to see him twice a year in New England.